CIC Press Release

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While visiting the CIC website (Coupon Information Center) for updated information on Coupon Fraud, I found a press release from May 2011 regarding TLC's Extreme Couponing TV Show that was pretty interesting that I'd like to share with you. 

CIC Position on Extreme Couponing

May 5, 2011.

The Coupon Information Corporation (CIC) expresses our great disappointment with TLC’s current series, Extreme Couponing, and hereby offers our expertise and other assistance to TLC and Sharp Entertainment (which produces the show) to enhance the program with more accurate and realistic information. In addition, we hope they address potentially illegal acts that appear to have been portrayed on the show.

Professionals in the coupon industry believe this show creates unrealistic expectations about how coupons work and promotes the misuse of coupons. For example, the show appears to portray coupons being used in violation of the terms and conditions printed on the coupons, such as using coupons to obtain products other than those specified by the coupon offer, and focuses on consumers who have procured large quantities of coupon inserts from unknown sources, which may raise civil and/or criminal issues. In real life, individuals attempting to use such large quantities of coupons or attempting to use them in violation of the terms stated on the coupons would most likely have their coupons refused at the register or, depending on the circumstances, be investigated by law enforcement. According to media reports, TLC recently stated, The CIC’s and other industry experts’ previous offers of assistance to the producers to make this an educational show were previously turned down. Nevertheless, we stand ready to help in the event the producers or TLC reconsider their path and seek to turn this into a show that accurately reflects appropriate coupon strategies and use, which would result in real benefits for TLC’s viewing audience. “While the series documents extreme couponing strategies, we take any concerns about specific tactics seriously and are looking into the situation.” We look forward to hearing what TLC discovers. 

This just goes to show that Extreme Couponing has sensationalized fraudulent coupon behavior that has far reaching effects for legitimate and ethical couponers. I've personally experienced a backlash as a result of the show, it could just be my perception, but often times I feel as though they think I'm robbing them blind. To be fair, 8 times out of 10, my experiences are wonderful and go off without a hitch. That being said, I'm hopeful that TLC will take the CIC's advice and feature ethical couponing habits!