A-B-C Frugality

As any couponer knows, there are always times when you will get that cashier who will scrutinize and refuse nearly any coupon they choose to see fault with. Unfortunately, it is because of fiascos like the one currently going on.

There are currently over 70 printable online coupons that have been deemed fraudulent.  Please check out this list and be sure to avoid using any of these coupons listed. To my knowledge, none of these fraudulent coupons have been posted here at ABC Frugality.

For those of you who don’t know how these types of scams are executed….

-The coupon is printed (knowingly or unknowingly) by persons from their computers and then taken to the merchant

-Traditionally, the merchant accepts the coupon and then sends the coupon in for redemption so that they are paid the dollar value on the coupon from the manufacturer, rather than the consumer. In this case, the store receives their payment and manufacturer still makes their profit.

-In cases of fraudulent coupons…the coupon is accepted and sent in, only to have the coupon returned as unpayable or “no such address.”  The store receives no reimbursement and is essentially “ripped off.”  The store loses money, and you could face legal action for using counterfeit coupons, since it is considered stealing from the store.

It’s sad and horrifying that anyone would do such a thing for a $7 razor, but it happens.  And the worst part is, many of the people using the coupons don’t even know they are illegal.  I will do my best to keep you abreast of any new developments in this case.

I strongly urge all my readers to coupon responsibly and ethically, remembering what it is truly about–saving money for our families, not scoring free stuff to greedily line our pantries at the expense of ripping off the stores and manufacturers.

‘Nuf lecturing, let’s go shopping!