WARNING - don't print Qs for friends

[Catlanta]

Well, at least not for friends you don't know and trust very, very, very well.

Background - I assist people who have disabilities live independently in the community. My clients are all on fixed incomes and I strongly encourage couponing. I buy several papers on Sundays and give one to each of them. When I see an IPQ for some item they would like, I print it for them since none have their own computers or printers.

That was the problem. The IPQs.

When I went to print a Q from SmartSource today, up popped a message that I am no longer allowed to print their Qs. Ever again!! The best I can figure is that someone to whom I gave an IPQ went to Kinko's or some such and copied it - or gave it to someone else who did. It's still my responsibility even though I never copied one myself because I "transferred" it which is also fraud. Ugh.

I tried to send an e-mail (for more detail so I could figure out what happened or even IF it happened) through the link in the message and it was not deliverable. I tried to use an e-mail address from their "terms and conditions" page and that one was also not deliverable!

I wouldn't have minded if I received a warning first but nooooooooooo. Immediate, irreversible punishment and no opportunity or way to appeal or even ask a question.

Looks like there's nothing I can do for me but thought I could at least warn others. There are so many kind, generous people on this site and I have seen people offer to print Qs for others. Be cautious! As I sadly learned, once that Q leaves your possession you really can't know how it's used but you are the one held responsible if it was printed on your computer.

Here's the scary message I received:

“Printing Disabled on this Computer!

“We have evidence that one or more coupons printed from this computer were presented multiple times for redemption in violation of our terms. The legal terms printed on our coupons clearly state "void if altered, transferred, exchanged, sold, purchased or copied.” By transferring a coupon to another person or by redeeming the same coupon multiple times you are committing fraud, and we are revoking your coupon printing privileges effective immediately.

“If we identify further evidence of fraudulent activity, we reserve the right to take additional action against the owner or user of this computer, including pursuing legal or criminal actions.

“Email us if you have questions or feel that this determination is unfounded. Please reference Alert #XXX in the body of the email.”

Well I DID have questions but their e-mail addresses are apparently non-functional. BTW, I learned after searching around that "multiple times" means "more than one time." It only takes someone redeeming one copy, or their suspecting that's what happened, to shut you down. Ugh.

Catlanta

[twinsplus14me]

Well that's just great. Here you were trying to help people out and someone does something stupid. I guess I won't be giving IP's away anymore. Sorry it happened to you!

[PrettyOpal]

OMG that's awful! I was thinking I just joined a coupon train and was going to ask for people to send me coupons from Smart Source because I'm one of the many who can't print from them. Now ...how can I ask? they don't know me. Also now I can't send out printed coupons because how do I know the recipients won't copy them and I'd be banned?

I'm sorry this happened to you but so grateful you told this story because I never would have thought how sending/exchanging Internet coupons could go wrong. Thank you!!

[frugal grandma]

Thank you for sharing this information.

[salsmom]

Yes, thank you for sharing. So sorry this happened to you.

[Rachlea]

Yes thanks so much for sharing your experience I am also guilty of printing and asking for printables.

[lucyrevenge]

Thanks for the heads up.

I think really what you should take from this is not to trade with straight newbs and/or to be very clear with those who are you not sure about.

I rarely print IPs for anyone but good Qs buddies anyway. I do alot more asking than printing. I'm always hitting my max on everything.

[ncscgirl2005]

Thanks for the warning. That's just awful that someone would do that.

[I luv coupons]

Wow interesting. Great to know. Now I know I will only Print for myself.

[nerdycoupongirl]

That's a terrible thing, Catlanta. Sorry that happened to you.


Ok, I just took a look at some newspaper Q's. They say: void if altered, copied, sold, bought, or transferred.

Does this technically mean that by trading insert Q's with each other we are committing fraud??? Please tell me I'm wrong... fraud, over trading a 50 cent coupon for dish liquid??