Coupon Fraud - What is it? And how does it apply to me here at HCW?

queenofthehivemomof5 · 07-08-2006, 06:43:12 AM

What exactly is coupon fraud?

All of these practices are NOT ALLOWED to be discussed or referred to on Hotcouponworld.com we do not wish to promote illegal activity.

This is not an all-inclusive list. It is an example of the most common ways that coupons are abused. Just because something is not listed below, does not make it legal. Any posts that encourage or describe improper methods of coupon use will be deleted. This rule, however, is not intended to shut down asking questions about coupon use.

An example that has come up before; "What is coupon decoding?" is a valid question. "Coupon decoding is fraudulent method of using coupons and is not discussed on HCW" is a valid answer. "Coupon decoding is doing something like ." is not.

Modifying a coupon

Doing anything to the coupon to modify it or the way it prints.

Removing the expiration date, modifying the bar code or the $ value of said coupon.

Copying or saving a coupon to file to alter the way manf. intended coupon to print. ( A Few Examples Are: multiple prints per page, modifying size ). You can save to file PDF coupons and other document type coupons, but you may not save to file Bricks.com, Coupons.com, SmartSource.com or other coupons that have print limits via either the print software or wording.

PDF's - Saving a PDF is OK, but saving and modifying a PDF coupon could be considered fraud. Posting a SAVED or MODIFIED PDF coupon is not allowed.

Misuse of the written intent of the coupon: ( Sometimes referred to as decoding )

Basically using a coupon for other than what is written on the coupon.
That means using the coupon for another product that is not listed on the coupon.
Purchasing a different size than what is listed on the coupon.
Purchasing a different quantity than what is listed on the coupon.
Using the coupon after it has expired (unless your grocery store policy accepts expired coupons..only a handful of them do)

Using more than one manufacturer coupon on 1 product

You may only use one manufacturer coupon per item that you buy.
If you have a coupon for $1.00/2 Campbell's chicken noodle soup for example, you may use one coupon for every 2 cans of soup.
Almost all coupons state 1 coupon per purchase.
You may use 2 coupons to buy 4 items (using the coupon example above), 3 coupons to buy 6 items. Etc.
Some coupons (namely Winetags and a few others) state on them "One per customer", "One per transaction", One per household" or other similar wording. Please use the coupons accordingly to their restrictions worded on the coupon.
The only way to use 2 coupons on one item is if you are using a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon and only if your store allows such practices.

Printing more than the allotted number of coupons

Many companies offer Internet printable coupon for many products. You can find lots of them in the HCW Coupon Database.
When you sign up to print these coupons a tracking software program is often downloaded to your computer to enable you to print the coupons.
This program has a set limit of how many times you are allowed to print that company�s coupon. Some only let you print once, some let you print 2 or 3 times by clicking the back button or returning to the homepage of the coupons. Very few companies will allow you to print unlimited amounts of their coupons.
The tracking software that the companies require you to install on your computer not only allows you to print a limit but may also include a tracking bar code where by the coupons can be traced back to you in case of fraudulent misuse of the coupon.
Setting your computer or printer to override the coupon tracking software is misuse of the generosity of the manufacturer and discussion of such behavior is not allowed at HCW.
Scanning, saving coupons to file that are not intended to be saved to file, or copying coupons are against most manufacturers written words on their coupons. And once again they could be traced back to you.
If you wish to obtain multiples of an Internet printed coupon there are ways to do so. You can trade for them, go to the library, or perhaps computers at work. Ask friends and family to print for you.

Remember! Coupon fraud hurts everyone. The stores may not get reimbursed for illegal use of coupons. The more fraudulent coupon use that goes on, the more restrictions the manufacturers and stores impose on couponers.

Last edited by YouPdWhat; Today at 03:03:17 PM.