A couple of weeks ago, a story of retail coupon fraud at a Michigan Walmart hit the news. Employees were accused of utilizing coupon fraud to purchase around $100,000 worth of merchandise, which they later sold on the black market. Today’s Michigan MLive has new details about the case:
Boulter believes the group bought in bulk and used many coupons to confuse cashiers. Members of the group would use coupons for different models or varieties than listed. Holding a brand-new, still in the box electric razor, Boulter explained that someone might use a coupon intended for a $200 model on a $50 model.
The intent to deceive the cashier makes the purchase fraudulent and criminal, Boulter said.
Members of the ring would visit the store three or four times a day, making off with hundreds of dollars in merchandise through fraudulent means. Wal-Mart staff alerted the Blackman-Leoni department to the suspected fraud, Boulter said. Security staff watched hours and hours of surveillance tape and brought detectives possible suspects.
This is interesting as the story confirms that using coupons on the wrong items is indeed prosecutable under the intent to deceive and defraud. The Jackson City Patriot has a photo gallery of the seized items that were fraudulently purchased with coupons, noting that “Much of one of the Blackman Township’s fire truck bays was taken up with the merchandise.”
Read the entire article.
Thank you to reader Nancy F. for sending me the link.
SaraW946 says
It will be very interesting to see whether charges will be filed, whether these people will be tried, and then convicted and of what. Of incorrect coupon use or the black market? Or for not paying taxes? I am glad they are finally looking into this issue so that the laws are settled and hopefully also enforced. However, before people start calling for the arrest of J’aime Kirlew, think that her store cooperated with the show, and there is no way she’s going to trial. Plus the BeCentsable people were the instigators of Kirlew’s fraud.
Oh, I would also like to know whether they used a cashier or self-checked out.
Finally, the author of the article cannot write English.
Kelb says
This type of thing happened recently in a Hanford,CA Walmart. Don’t recall if I posted about it here when it came out.
Cashiers and other employees were involved, and thousands stolen.
Sad that people like this will make couponing more difficult for everyone else.
Rocketmom60 says
A clerk at my Walmart told me that a customer got Pampers diapers using “Free” coupons. The woman first came in with just 5 and was successful A clerk notified management who called P&G who confirmed they did not issue coupons for free diapers. The customer returned just minutes later an tried to us 51 more coupons for free diapers and was turned away. Nothing was said about calling police or anything. Customer said she bought coupons on an internet site. Clerk didn’t mention which one.