Back in March 2011, Walgreens ran a Register Reward promotion on Celadrin InflameAway Joint Health -- it was on sale for $10, with a $10 Register Reward back after purchase. According to the lawsuit, the average Walgreens store had between eight and ten bottles of Celadrin that week -- but over a thousand Walgreens stores issued more redemptions than inventory on hand. Seven stores allegedly issued more than 100 Register Rewards each, and one store supposedly issued and redeemed a whopping 1,306 Register Rewards!
Walgreens coupon fraud lawsuit filed (continued)
This is no small case of coupon fraud -- Walgreens submitted a total of $533,000 worth of coupons to be redeemed, plus an additional $188,000 in handling fees.
Imagentix claims that the majority of the Register Rewards were redeemed in pristine condition -- without creases or folding marks that indicate Register Rewards were actually dispersed to customers and used in additional transactions. You can see a photo of some of the redeemed Register Rewards over on the U-T San Diego website, along with more details about the Imagentix lawsuit. I personally would be hard-pressed to keep any Register Reward I used in such clean condition!
Erica from i heart wags speculates that Walgreens cashiers may have been gaming the system by ringing in imaginary transactions, printing the Register Rewards, then voiding the transaction and keeping the RR for themselves. Walgreens denies any wrong-doing.
What coupon fraud means for consumers
Between the Walgreens coupon fraud lawsuit and the recent Houston arrests of cashiers allegedly involved in a coupon scam, I can guarantee that couponers will see much closer scrutiny of coupons being used at check-out. Just don't assume that the managers are watching you -- they could be keeping an eye on their employees instead. If you have a coupon questioned or refused, follow these steps to help you navigate through the transaction.
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I am too cynical to be surprised. On the other hand, I know the family that runs a local organic grocery. They tell me that they seldom get reimbursed for coupons.
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