The Hershey Company announced today that they are withdrawing a legitimate coupon offer due to widespread counterfeiting.
Earlier this year, Hershey issued a limited number of $4.00 coupons for their products directly to a select number of consumers. The coupons were sent out only one or two at a time. But, according to a statement from Hershey, the coupons “have been illegally counterfeited and distributed via internet auctions and other methods in violation of Federal and State Laws. The Hershey Company prohibits the sale of its coupons. Internet auctions selling these “coupons” are almost certainly selling counterfeits.”
It is rare for a company to completely withdraw a coupon, but in a case such as this, where there are likely more counterfeits circulating than legitimate versions of the coupon, a company may opt to protect itself and pull the coupon entirely.
If you do have a legitimate $4 coupon, which you obtained from Hershey (and not an online site or auction) you may return it to Hershey for a replacement. The statement instructs shoppers: “The Hershey Company will provide consumers in possession of the valid coupons with replacement coupons of equal value in exchange for up to two of the valid coupons, upon request and verification (see below). Any attempt to submit counterfeit coupons may result in civil or criminal penalties.”
Flag1 says
Thanks for the articles on Saturday and Sunday. I am always amazed at the fraudulent activities that go on. Happy Mother’s Day to all of us.
someonehastobethegoodguy says
The common scheme is to copy then sell these things. Also these folks do what’s called “clearing the internet shelf” of printable coupons that were only available for a short window of time. They have multiple FB accounts, and various internet devices and printers so they wipe out all the coupons before most can get one and meet the timed out message.
It’s the same people that scope out all the peelies and tear pads every morning from a route they follow. This daily supply seeking mission funds all their ebay sales and supports their “trading”. These folks literally use a bag, daily, and take every tear pad and peelie from every store, then sell them.
Sometimes they even find/take entire sticker “rolls” of coupons if they see them around.