How to Spot Fake Coupons and Ways of Getting BIG Discounts

December 18, 2009 by Marie Claire



Everyone's always looking for a good deal especially with the cost of food and everyday items going up because of inflation. Sometimes we are a compulsive spender and splurge.

Everybody is always on the hunt for sales and discounts deals. Who isn't, right? With the prices on commodities skyrocketing today, many if not all would jump at any chance of getting deals and discounts on any goods and services. But sales and promotions is many stores come only very often. Much of these sales happen only seasonally. Promotions such as a pre-Christmas sale or a summer sale are very few and far in between. So if you are looking for another way to maximize your money and get better deals, they you should read on and find the secret that many bargain hunters have been using. The answer to all these are the printable coupons online.

People continue to clip coupons while stores are looking out for counterfeit coupons. Grocery stores are now finding coupons that are online counterfeit, fraud coupons. Beware when printing out online savings coupons. Make sure the coupons are coming directly from the manufacturer.

A video report by ABC news shows women printing out online coupons, using it when buying groceries for their families.



Coupon buyers beware of fake coupons. Check internet resource or other sources for recent fake coupons. Below are tips on spotting fake coupons:

Hint #1. Clues include no redemption date or a missing barcode. And consider the source, if it’s being passed around by personal e-mail, it may be worthless. Legitimate coupons generally can’t be e-mailed.

Hint #2. All coupons are free. If someone tries to sell them to you on eBay or over the internet, DO NOT buy them. They are either not legitimate, or someone is hoarding coupons and trying to cash in. You only want to deal with free coupons that you get in the mail, via the internet or newspapers and magazines.

Hint #3. The coupon should have standard business information such as company logo, address, phone number, and any other normal identifying features. It is very important for a company that you have not heard of before. You can call them up and see if the coupon is valid.

Hint #4. Coupons should have an expiration date. Most companies put an expiration date on their coupons; it is very rare to have a free coupon without an expiration date. Most offers are limited because either the manufacturer or the retailer wants you to take action and redeem the coupon for the offer or bonus you will receive.

Hint #5. When searching for coupons online, look for special software to download that can ensure bar codes are printed correctly, and only print coupons from a brand’s Web site or other reputable sites.

Hint #6. The offer must make sense. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is: Buyer Beware!

Hint #7. Spotting recent fake coupons. You can view pictures of many of the fake coupons on the web to see the layout and picture used. Some sites have a picture of both the real coupon and the fake coupon. Search the web for the key words counterfeit coupon. The Coupon Information Corporation CIC information includes recent lists and coupon pictures that are printed on warning signs sent to grocery stores. You can get a list of older fake coupons that may be in circulation with a new date.

Hint #8. Most coupons for free items contain security markings to verify it is real. These marking can be a watermark. a hologram, or a foil logo.

Hint #9. The coupon should have a bar code on it, which shows that the manufacturer or retailer is tracking the coupon to see how the offer does.

Hint #10. Beware of glossy multicolored coupons on a single page. Most non internet coupons are either on newspaper grade paper or magazine paper. There are an increasing number of legitimate online coupons that can be downloaded on copier paper, if the other above conditions are met.

Hint #11. If you want more information on coupons, check out the Coupon Information Corporation online which is a not for profit organization that attempts to police the issue of fake coupons. The best source I found for a list of fake coupons is Coupon Information Center.

P&G is so serious about finding those issuing the counterfeit coupons that they are offering a reward of $2500 to the successful prosecution of the individual(s) responsible for producing counterfeit coupons. Individuals and internet sites attempting to redeem, transmit, auction, post, reproduce, transfer, barter or sell counterfeit coupons may be subject to criminal prosecution and/or civil action.

So be wary, internet coupons are suspicious and more often then not down right counterfeits. The only way to be sure a coupon is legit is from your local newspaper or the direct mailers (often from the company itself) that you get in the mail.


Ways of Getting Discounts or Free Stuff


Tip #1. Consider rebates for larger purchases. The hassle of completing the rebate form and mailing it for about $0.40 may be worth it.

Tip #2. Organize your coupons. There are many methods and tips available. Plan your weekly meal menu. Collect coupons that you want. Consider trading other coupons with friends.

Tip #3. Coupons are found in Sunday papers, mail ad packs, stores, products and receipts.

Tip #4. There are E-bay sellers and guide writers that provide a variety of easy to use systems to help you.

Tip #5. Use coupons on double coupon value days at a store that doubles. There are various “double coupon” store lists available on the web.

Tip #6. You can also call, e-mail or write manufacturers with thank you or improvement idea letters. Ask for coupons when you contact a product manufacturer.


---How to Spot Fake Coupons and Ways of Getting BIG Discounts at Personal Finance Management Techniques

(Personal Finance Management Guide by Marie Claire Cooper. It's all about good reading and smart information.) http://personal-finance-management.blogspot.com/

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