PDF Printable Coupons: Legitimate or Fraudulent?

Many of you saw the post I did for the FREE Avocado coupon from Facebook.  There has been a lot of confusion over whether this was a legitimate coupon or if it was fake.  Originally, I posted that this coupon wasn’t real.  This is one of those “gray” areas of couponing that there is no concrete answer for.  However, after looking into it more, I believe it IS a legitimate coupon, although a difficult one to use (see below).  Here are some ways to decide for yourself:

1. It did not come in an email format.  If you ever receive an email with a PDF coupon, it is most likely fake.
2. The Coupon Information Corporation does not have it listed as a fraudulent coupon.
3. It was issued by the manufacturer on Facebook.  This was the message posted on their Facebook page: “The coupon is legitimate. More information about The Amazing Avocado can be found at theamazingavocado.com and our full coupon redemption policy can be reviewed online here.”

Now, with that said, I still believe it will be difficult to utilize this coupon considering it says “Store Coupon” instead of “Manufacturer’s Coupon” and the bar coding does not begin with a “9” or “5”. Many stores are not accepting printable coupons for FREE products anymore. However, there is an address to submit the coupon for redemption if your store is willing to accept yours.

::  For more ways to help keep yourself informed, see the post I did about spotting counterfeit coupons.