TLC Looking into Allegations of Couponing Fraud

[okeydokey]

She was also caught using yogurt coupons good for 50 cents off a 4 pack, applying them to 50 cents off a single. No wonder she pays so little, she's stealing from the store.

 

[SaraJayne]

All it takes is one bad apple to spoil the whole bunch.. A couple of days ago I picked up a few items - using coupons I had printed off the internet - and they were scrutinized very carefully.. (It was kind of embarrassing..)

Since I've just recently signed up to all the various sites - and I'm finding many coupons I can use - I'm afraid that the fraudulent couponers will make it extremely difficult for those of us who are using them responsibly to make our purchases..

Most of the stores around here don't take coupons printed off the internet.

 

[Anjelica]

Target used to scrutinize coupons alot more about 18 or so months ago. (I have a friend who works at Target). Then I noticed a trend, they weren't eyeballing them as much as they used to and would push the 1-2 that for some reason would beep (keep in mind I NEVER would buy products that the coupons were not for and always double check the fine print on the coupon). I asked my friend about this and she said last year they were told to go ahead and "push" coupons through with less scrutiny.

Prior to being scrutinize I learned to make sure I had most of the items I had coupons for at the end of the conveyer belt as they always wanted to dig them out of the bags, etc. It got annoying but I understood why they did it.

I wonder that now this show is on will Target and other stores go back to really scrutinizing coupons or worse change their coupon policies where you can't have printouts, etc.

 

[Heidi Loves Disney]

Heck, I got the riot act read to me for trying to use a coupon that expired the day before. I didn't know that it was expired. She acted like I was trying to steal personally from her. I was so angry. For crying out loud, it was a 50 cent coupon. I bought over $100 worth of other groceries.
If it's expired, then just tell me, but don't treat me like I'm a criminal.
I honestly wanted to tell her to just take all my groceries and shove it, but it was Friday and I needed some things for the weekend.

I just can't see how that blonde bimbo coupon frauder from that show could use coupons like that and get away with it. Plus, she got paid for being a coupon frauder on national TV. I know it sounds mean for me to say it, but it's clear she's a pro at knowing how to fraud.

I rarely use coupons, but when I do they are always looked at closely.

One store I go to makes the minimum wage cashiers accountable if they do allow a coupon go through if the actual product isn't purchased.

 

[MaleficentRN]

All I was pointing out is that "coupon misredemption" is considered a crime.

TLC is covering themselves. I am sure they spoke to their lawyers by now.
If the FBI takes it seriously enough, they can subpoena TLC for the unedited tape of J'aime's shopping expedition.

Personally, I think J'aime is an idiot for showcasing her method on national television.

Absolutely they are covering their butts! I also wouldn't doubt that the store took those coupons because they were on TV and thought , "Hey! Free advertising!Take whatever she hands you!"

 

[Kycha]

I couldn't understand how they were getting free large packages of toilet paper, until I saw on the blog posted above the illegal $5.00 off coupons and such that were being circulating around. It is all making more sense to me now.

Please don't think that all the couponers on that show are using coupons fraudulently. As a pp stated, one bad apple spoils the whole bunch. What

I really don't understand this woman(J'aime). There are enough deals out there, using coupons legitimately, that you can create quite a stockpile. Why in the world does she feel the need to commit coupon fraud?

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

The earlier link with the screen shots and explanations step by step were very helpful. If she has been cheating, it is ashame that her actions were portrayed as being cool and frugal on TV.

If it is proven that she was cheating and committed a crime, TLC should devote part of a future show to explain the scandal to the public and denounce such behavior. (but they can't show too much otherwise others may do a copycat crime!)

 

[momxx5]

As our family finds itself in finanacial hardships I welcome coupon advice and savings, however this behavior is just crazy. I really do not understand the stockpiling to that extent.

At what point do you use the papertowels under the bed??? I would die to have a few pkgs of papertowels and toilet paper, yet they just keep piling it up.

I do think there is something that is mental satisfaction, sadly, about this behavior....almost like the hunt to kill mentality.

Like others, I hope it does not ruin couponing for all.

 

[jandel]

Most of the stores around here don't take coupons printed off the internet.

My local Wal-mart says right on the bottom of their receipt: We gladly accept valid manufacturer & internet coupons.

EVERY time I try to use one I've printed they act like I'm holding them up at gunpoint

 

[sydneysmom]

My local Wal-mart says right on the bottom of their receipt: We gladly accept valid manufacturer & internet coupons.

EVERY time I try to use one I've printed they act like I'm holding them up at gunpoint

OMG, I had that happen today! It was so embarrassing.... it was a young guy w/ attitude and when I gave him my coupons, he gave me this look like he was just forced to swallow something VERY sour. I said, "what ? I know you still take coupons" then I got a "hmmmmph." whatever.

So then I thought, "what do I care what you think of me ? I just saved $20 w/ coupons. who's laughing now?"

 

[ajh88]

I've never had an issue using internet coupons - it is where about 95% of my coupons come from these days. The only time they had to get a manager involved was when I was using a $15 off coupon for some DVD's - the system wouldn't let it go through and they had to have the manager over-ride it (after he checked to make sure it was legit).

As for Target, having just gone there today with coupons - I am careful about matching up the right items with the right coupons and about half of mine still "beeped". I don't know if it is a glitch with their system or what, but even items that are purchased legitimately will have their coupons beep there. I don't know what the answer is...because I get super annoyed when the cashier wants to go through my bags to make sure I bought the right thing.

Back to the original subject...I wish TLC would have done some vetting on J'aime PRIOR to featuring her on the show instead of worrying about damge control now.

 

[CaliforniaDreamin]

I'm having deja vu reading the report on her, though I'm not sure why.

Some of those women are claiming to have save $40k, that is theft. Heck, even 40cents is theft. Yes, I know all about Wall Street, Enron, government waste....that doesn't give anyone permission to steal.

 

[poohbear8]

Walmart's official policy is they accept internet coupons. Google it and print it out. I have pretty much stopped shopping at Walmart, but thought I would share this info.

 

[disneylove69]

Depending on what state she is in the DA may investigate it. Think of all the taxes she owes on those purchases. Look at other TLC shows that have ended up with the law investigating (think Sister Wives). Hate to be her at the next PTA meeting.

 

[santadog]

My local Wal-mart says right on the bottom of their receipt: We gladly accept valid manufacturer & internet coupons.

EVERY time I try to use one I've printed they act like I'm holding them up at gunpoint

I was getting major stink-eye this evening when I bought a couple of "Toy Story 3 Operation" games on clearance for $5 with my $3 off coupons.

We have a couple of boys' birthdays coming up, and they'll make great gifts!

 

[Yoshi]

I don't use coupons that often but the few times I use them I sometimes feel uncomfortable (I don't like confrontations) because a lot of times the cashiers act like you are taking money from them. I hope this won't cause more problems for those who use coupons legitimately.

As for Target, having just gone there today with coupons - I am careful about matching up the right items with the right coupons and about half of mine still "beeped". I don't know if it is a glitch with their system or what, but even items that are purchased legitimately will have their coupons beep there. I don't know what the answer is...because I get super annoyed when the cashier wants to go through my bags to make sure I bought the right thing.

I have had coupons beep at Target when they have been used for the right item as well. There have even been times when I used a peelie that came off the item and it still beeps. My guess is not all coupons or numbers are programmed at Target?

 

[pinkprincess30]

I DO NOT agree with purposefully trying to misrepresent items for a better deal, but isn't it up to the store to make aure the items match the coupon? If she is using a $.50 off of pack of 4 yogurts and attempts to use it on individual yogurts, it should not come up in the system. I think it's the store's fault for not knowing their stuff. They have a responsibility to have their system set up correctly. But no, it's not right.

 

[momof2intx]

I always have issues at Target and I always use the right coupon for the right items! They have handed me back my legitimate coupons several times saying that the computer won't take them....several times I have had to say...uh, no you can scan them... then they hesitantly put them through with no issue after giving me a dirty look and a sigh.

It's become a hassle to shop at Target with my Q's so I only go there when I can absolutely get a great deal or something free.

 

[KigerKat]

I'm thinking TLC is just trying to cover their own butts in this situation. They will probably screen their "cast" a little further now and not feature someone that uses illegal practices with their coupons.

As for J'aime, she needs to understand that having a receipt does not mean she didn't steal from the store. And I feel sorry for that store. I'm sure they have been flagged by the manufacturers and are not getting reimbursed for any of the coupons she used. And because they were featured on TV allowing this to happen, I'm guessing the manufacturers will be reviewing all of that store's transactions for a while to come. She has probably burned her bridge at that store and word will get out at the other stores in the area about what she is doing. She's probably going to have to dive a couple of hours away just to use a coupon legitimately.

TLC will probably end up repaying the store for their losses, and I hope they sue that witch and her her accountable for everything they have to pay for because of her fraudulent practices. I bet there's not a coupon fore that!

 

[KayMouse]

I DO NOT agree with purposefully trying to misrepresent items for a better deal, but isn't it up to the store to make aure the items match the coupon? If she is using a $.50 off of pack of 4 yogurts and attempts to use it on individual yogurts, it should not come up in the system. I think it's the store's fault for not knowing their stuff. They have a responsibility to have their system set up correctly. But no, it's not right.

First of all, the manufacturer sets those coupons up with a code that works within the first 5 or 7 digits of a products UPC. Manufacturers can have a wide range of products that start with those numbers, therefore the coupon may work at some stores. In her case, especially at Target, the cashier forced the coupons through the system. More than likely, just for the show.