We've had some new people ask questions about coupon fraud so CQ asked me to post in all the store forums to help clear up some confusion.

Why you shouldn't commit coupon fraud (besides it being dishonest): The answer is simple, stores lose money when you do this and it can cause them to quit doubling coupons or stop taking them all together for a length of time (this has happened at Homeland more than once) or they may never accept coupons again.

Why do stores lose money? The stores have to prove they have sold an item before they can get money for the coupons they collect. They have to match the coupon to the item on their cash register receipts at the end of the day. If the coupon does not match EXACTLY to the item, then they don't get their money. So if you use a coupon that isn't for the SPECIFIC item(s) it calls for then the store loses money. Even if the coupons scans without a problem they still have to match at the end of the day. A lot of manufacturers put their products into groups so that's why a coupon may scan for several similar items even though the coupon is only good for a specific one.

What is coupon fraud? It's using a coupon in ANY other way than it's intended use. Some examples of coupon fraud are:

1.)Having a coupon for one size product and using it on a different size:
Buying 26oz. Cheer and using a coupon only good on the 50oz. size
Buying a 6-pack of Coke and using a coupon good on an 8-pack

2.)Having a coupon for a specific variety and using it to buy a different variety from the same brand:
Buying regular Lays chips but using a coupon good only on the Baked Lays
Buying Combination Lunchables but using a coupon good only on the Complete Lunchables

3.) Having a coupon for a specific number of items but using it to buy less:
Buying 1 box of crackers but using a coupon for $$ off 2 boxes
Buying 2 cans of soup and using a coupon for $$ off 3 cans

4.)Using Expired Coupons

5.)Using your printer to make extra copies of printable coupons (this is a big no-no, if caught, you get a fine and if on a big scale...jail time) Each coupon that you print (unless a PDF) has a unique serial number printed on the front of the coupon. If you make copies, all the coupons will have the same number and if your cashier sees this...busted.

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