This is a common question I get from new couponers. Although printable coupons all seem alike – they are not all the same and you should NEVER make copies of printable coupons. Making copies or duplicating coupons of ANY kind, not just printable coupons, is coupon fraud. Just like you wouldn’t throw a dollar bill on a copier and make copies, you shouldn’t be making copies of coupons.
Fraud protection – Nearly ALL coupons that you print from you computer should have a light watermark behind the coupon description that helps show authenticity. Also, the very, very FINE print around the perimeter of the coupon is a unique code that can be tracked back to your ISP, if needed.
Print only the limit allowed – Sites like Coupons.com allow you to print TWO coupons per computer. Each coupon printed has a unique serial number. Cashiers are trained to look for the watermark and that the coupon has a unique serial number. If you want additional coupons you can always ask a neighbor or friend to print an extra copy for you.
Be careful sharing printable coupons with others – Make sure that if you trade printable coupons with others – that you trust the people you are sharing with. If you print a coupon from your computer and give it to someone who makes copies of it – you are liable, as it’s tracked to your ISP. And you also want to make sure the printable coupons you get from others are authentic.
Understand there is a little extra scrutiny at checkout – Cashiers are trained to look for coupon fraud at checkout. If you find them taking a little longer to inspect your printable coupons, don’t take it personally! Although you may not have done anything wrong, others have redeemed fraudulent coupons – and stores are just doing their best to accept only legit coupons. The cashier certainly shouldn’t make you feel like a criminal for using printable coupons, but you can expect that they will look at them carefully. If a cashier tells me they can’t accept a printable coupon (for whatever reason), then I just politely say I’ll pass on the product this time around and I hold onto my coupon – I’ll use it another time, it’s not worth an argument.
Coupon Information Corporation monitors and prosecutes coupon fraud. It’s a very resourceful site – including a list of counterfeit coupons. If you know of someone committing fraud or you can help them track down the source of counterfeit coupons – they are currently offering a $100,000 reward! You can get more information on the Coupon Information Corporation homepage.
Not only is it illegal to make copies of coupons – but stores won’t be reimbursed by the manufacturer if they’ve been given a fraudulent coupon – so it’s a lose-lose for everyone involved.
Coupons from your newspaper inserts shouldn’t be copied either – but unlike printable coupons – they aren’t limited! You can buy multiple papers for additional coupons!
J H. says
I feel really stupid, but a week or so ago before I read this, I had some extra printed-from-home coupons that I knew I wouldn’t use. I was at Wal-mart and left the coupons by the items so someone else could benefit from the savings. I believe at least one was a AVENT bottle multi-pack coupon, I can’t remember what the other 2 were. Now I realize that was sooo stupid, because I have no idea who has my coupons with my ISP on them, and if those coupons are being photocopied. I’m never going to do that again, but I’m worried that some day the coupon police are going to come knocking on my door. Is there anything I can do?
LaDonna says
I wonder the same thing I use to do that until today! I want be doing that again!
D'Anna says
I dl’d a free couponing book on my Kindle Fire awhile back from Amazon and the author encouraged photocopying the printables and how to go about it so THANK YOU for spreading this info. Maybe you can sticky it somewhere for new couponers?
I guess if there is a way to run a scam then someone somewhere will think of a way to do it.
Jennifer says
One thing I’ve seen is that when I have 2 of the same one, the cashier will scan the same one twice instead of each individually.
Nicole says
Good question. I wonder the same thing. I know each computer has their own ISP but what do others think?
miss m says
If you have multiple computers in the house, in your opinion, is it “legal” to print your two copies from each computer?
Heather says
I think it’s completely fine to print from multiple devices or computers.