Coupon Counterfeiter Sentenced to 87 Months in Jail Ordered to pay $31 Million in Restitution: A statement by the Coupon Information Corporation (CIC)

NORFOLK, Va., Aug. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Pacifico Talens, who recently pled guilty to felony charges for a counterfeit coupon scam, was sentenced today to 87 months incarceration, threes years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $31 million in restitution.

CIC Executive Director Bud Miller stated, "Justice was done today. While he was not the ringleader, Mr. Talens was an active participant in this scheme and was aware of its criminal nature. He regularly mailed packages of counterfeit coupons to customers across the country, spreading the fraud nationwide. He could have put a stop to the scheme at any time. He didn't and will be paying the price for the rest of his life.

"This sentence should serve as a warning to coupon counterfeiters. We are aware that some "Dark Side" coupon counterfeiters have stopped their illegal activities as word of this, and other, cases became public.

"The Members of the CIC greatly appreciate the efforts of the US Postal Inspection Service, the FBI and the US Attorney's Office as well as cooperating industry participants on this case. Coupon fraud hurts everyone, especially honest couponers. Consumers can report counterfeiters to the CIC at our website, http://www.couponinformationcenter.com."

Miller added, "Consumers should never pay money for coupons. Coupons that are offered for sale are often counterfeits or stolen. Coupon purchasers should be aware that they are providing their personal information to individuals or organizations that are likely criminal enterprises and may open themselves to other criminal schemes."

CIC's App, The CIC® Suspect Coupon Checker, is available free of charge to retailers, law enforcement and CIC members. Counterfeit coupons known to the CIC can be identified in a few seconds. Suspect coupons can also be reported for review.

Miller concluded, "It would be wise for coupon counterfeiters to immediately cease their illegal activities. As is to be expected, additional counterfeit coupon cases are already being pursued from information obtained as a result of this case."

The Coupon Information Corporation (CIC®) is a not-for-profit association of consumer product manufacturers dedicated to fighting coupon misredemption and fraud.

Media Contact

Bud Miller, CPP, Coupon Information Corporation, +1 (239) 331-7280, [email protected]

SOURCE Coupon Information Corporation

Related Links

http://www.couponinformationcenter.com/