With counterfeit coupons in the news as of late, several readers have emailed to ask if they could be arrested for using counterfeit coupons, even if they professed not to know they were counterfeit at the time. The answer? Yes.
From Rhode Island’s WPRI Eyewitness News:
Arrest made in counterfeit coupons case: Coupons used to obtain $9K worth of baby formula
Rhode Island State Police arrest a West Warwick woman for allegedly using counterfeit coupons to buy baby formula from Stop and Shop Supermarkets across Rhode Island.
Kimberly Jackowitz, 39, was arrested following a lengthy investigation into stealing $9,211.05 worth of baby formula.
Rhode Island State Police tell Eyewitness News that Stop and Shop filed a complaint with state police in April.
Investigators believe Jackowitz used fraudulent coupons made online to get free baby formula cans from area stores.
The Rhode Island police blotter notes the actual charges:
1) Forgery & Counterfeiting in General,
2) Passing of Counterfeit Certificates,
3) Importation or Possession of Counterfeit Certificates and
4) Obtaining Property by False Pretenses.
