CIC issues printable coupon fraud alert; Facebook shuts down coupon resale groups

A couple of coupon-related headlines:

First, the Coupon Information Center has issued a new alert regarding counterfeit printable coupons. There’s apparently been a rash of new counterfeit printables hitting stores, and especially if you work at a retailer or are a cashier, you may want to familiarize yourself with some of the kinds of new fakes that are circulating. You can view some of them at this link — printable coupons for $9.30 off Tide, $3.50 off a 12-pack of Coke and others should raise red flags if they’re presented at the register.

If you print coupons from legitimate sources (like Coupons.com, Smartsource.com, and RedPlum.com) you have nothing to worry about. Many of the fakes are designed to look like they originated from these sites, but they didn’t.

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In other news, Facebook appears to have done a mass deletion of Facebook Groups devoted to coupon resale. Many of these are reportedly “secret” groups that operated out of sight on Facebook and required invitation to join. I’ve heard from a few people who were members of some of these groups, and they’ve stated that the groups have simply disappeared.

Owners/moderators of the deleted Facebook coupon resale groups have been complaining on Facebook and discussing the deletions:

“apparently groups that are selling coupons, inserts, and stockpiles are the biggest targets.”

“How can i re-covered my blocked groups as an admin?”

“I think they are all getting deleted for selling coupons! All coupons state you CAN NOT sell them and the manufacturers are making FB feel the heat. Just like eBay.”

“They are being viewed as abusive not just on FB among people bickering about hauls but with personal gains off of re-sales, short-cuts and bashing of grocery retail chains. Re-selling is illegal including selling inserts. I am sure FB is concerned for their liability too.”

“I feel bad for the people posting their hauls, selling inserts or re-selling their products cuz they are basically telling on themselves. I read one post about the police getting involved. Back to old school couponing without social media works for me.”