Internet Printable Coupons -
Is my coupon Legitimate or a Fake?
There are always going to be a number of counterfeit coupons that are circulated on the internet. It is up to you the user of the coupon to determine if your coupon is legitimate or if is a fake.
WUC wants to make sure that you are a responsible couponer, so we can all continue to enjoy the deals and savings we enojy by using legitimate coupons.
Legitimate internet coupons will have the following:
- 2 sets of Linear Bar codes located at the bottom of the coupon
This barcode identifies the manufacturer, the item, and the value of the coupon.
- Usage policy in small print (just like coupons you get from your inserts)
- Expiration date
- Redemption information
- A single 2D barcode at the top right of the coupon
This barcode identifies the ip address the coupon was printed from. Most internet coupon sites will allow you to print two of the same coupon per computer. However, each coupon will have a unique number sequence that is specific to the ip address of your computer.
If you are new, you may not be aware that it is illegal to photocopy a coupon. Photocopying a coupon is a criminal offense that can be investigated and prosecuted by Federal, State or Local law enforcement authorities.
Back in 2003, a number of individuals flooded the market with fraudulent internet coupons. Manufacturers and stores incurred huge losses due to the fraudulent coupons and one of the reasons that a lot of stores either will not accept or have a strict policy regarding internet printable coupons.
Here are some ideas that may help you when you are redeeming internet printable coupons:
- When you print an IP coupon, print the entire web page with it. Do not cut out the coupon but give the entire page to the cashier.
- Print the coupons in color. Black and white coupons look more like photocopies and are less likely to be accepted.
- Show the manager of the store your internet coupons prior to shopping and get his approval of the coupons.
- Avoid trying to redeem multiple copies of the same coupon (printed from various computers).
This is just basic information, but we want to emphasize - please use coupons correctly, legitimately so we all will enjoy the benefit of saving money.