Don't Pay For Coupons You Can Get Free

Rising food prices, and popular TV shows like Extreme Couponing, have renewed consumer interest in the use of discount coupons at the checkout counter.

While you can save money on your grocery bill, it's wise to keep couponing in perspective and not get carried away. Don't buy something, for example, just because you you have a coupon for a dollar off.

And it's almost always a bad idea to pay for coupons, in the hope that you can use them to save money in the future. Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto recently cautioned residents of her state about a radio advertising campaign offering $2,000 in grocery coupons for shopping.

Consumers are directed to call a toll-free telephone number which goes to an inbound telemarketing company. Consumers who call the number will be asked to provide his or her credit card information in order to receive a packet of information about the coupon program.

Not exactly free

The packet will contain information, either offering or actually signing the consumer up for a variety of “programs” which can cost the consumer hundreds of dollars if he or she does not call and cancel the services within a few days. The packets do not include $2,000 in grocery coupons and the consumer will be charged a fee “for shipping and handling” of the information packet.

The packet directs the consumer to GrocerySavers.com. Masto says GrocerySavers is a legitimate coupon provider, but cautions consumers that the coupons it provides are not free. They cost 10 percenrt of the face value of the coupons plus a service charge.

The offer of $2000 in grocery coupons will ultimately cost the consumer $200 plus shipping and handling. Many of the coupons offered can be obtained free at the merchant’s or manufacturer’s websites.

By wary of 'free' offers

Masto says it's just the latest example of so-called “free trial offers,” which usually end up enrolling the consumer in an ongoing program that places a monthly charge on their credit card.

Masto says consumers should never provide information about your credit cards, bank accounts, or other financial information to persons unknown to you. Another good rule of thumb is to never accept any “free offer” that requires you to provide credit card information in order to receive it.

As for coupons, remain alert to offers in your local newspaper and advertising circulars and only use them for things you would buy anyway.