NCJ Number
113616
Journal
Security Management Volume: 32 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1988) Pages: 139-148
Date Published
1988
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article describes the nature and methods of coupon fraud and suggests ways to counter it.
Abstract
The redemption stage of the coupon cycle offers an infinite number of opportunities for fraud. Retailers sometimes organize in rings to misredeem large quantities of coupons or conspire with coupon salespeople. Means of controlling misredemption include the physical inspection of all or most of the coupons and the compilation of a list of bona fide retailers. Private security efforts must be supplemented with public prosecutions. The Federal Racketeer-Influenced Corrupt Organization Act (RICO) can be used to enhance the sanctions of mail-fraud and wire-fraud statutes when coupon fraud involves a 'pattern of racketeering activity.'