Phoenix’s ABC 15 News has a new article up with more information on today’s counterfeit coupon bust:
Coupons regaining popularity with savvy shoppers have also been the source of a widespread forgery and counterfeit case, leading officials on a search they call “Operation Super Coupon.”
About four years ago, copies of manufacturer’s coupons began to spread around the country from an unknown source, according to police. These coupons are extremely valuable to consumers, as they offer highly discounted or free items.
The victimized companies and the Coupon Information Corporation asked private investigators to determine the source of the coupons…. One MRP was identified as Savvyshoppersite.com, working as Savvy Shopper. The company is not related to the local consumer magazine.
Police said they seized millions of dollars in counterfeit coupons. The coupons were reportedly printed overseas and sent to Arizona… They were sold by three female suspects who are now in police custody. With the income they were making from the sales of the coupons, the suspects bought homes, expensive cars and weapons. All were seized in Tuesday’s operation.
The case against SavvyShoppersite.com has been assembled and reviewed for prosecution and asset forfeiture, according to police. Police say that hundreds of millions of dollars in losses from this counterfeit case “goes beyond the imagination.” If customers try to redeem the coupons as of today, they will be charged as well, according to police.
Read the entire article at ABC 15 News
Photo used under Creative Commons license.
fodacima621 says
“Police say that hundreds of millions of dollars in losses from this counterfeit case “goes beyond the imagination.” If customers try to redeem the coupons as of today, they will be charged as well, according to police.”
I don’t know if this warning alone will deter people from using free coupons UNLESS they are 100% sure they got straight from the manufacturer sent as homemailer. But if they know they traded for it in coupon boards or bought them off ebay, they have no guarantees they are legit.