During your trips to the supermarket or other stores, we are sure most of you have come across someone who used a coupon designed for a particular product on a different one at least once. If not in a supermarket or any other store, maybe on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. Some groups offer coupons and also give away tips on how to use these coupons in different ways. 

Well, moms, this might seem quite eye-catching, as you get to know how to increase your savings irrespective of the type of coupon, but it is definitely much more than that. We totally get that these coupons are going to help you retain some extra dollars on your shopping and obviously, you tend to look forward to collecting more and more coupons. However, opting for the right coupons and using it ethically is the correct and only way to save more. 

This unethical use of coupons is known as ‘Coupon Glitch’, now popularly termed as Coupon Glittering by social media groups. When a handful of brand manufacturers caught hold of a few such illicit groups to unfold their activities, these groups renamed their activities as ‘Coupon Glittering’, trying to add a positive connotation to it. 

So are you confused about what is coupon glittering? Let’s clear out this confusion about coupon glittering or glitch, through this informative piece that we have written for you. 

 What Is Coupon Glittering?

Have you ever used a specific coupon for some other products? If you have done so, then this is what we call Coupon Glittering as earlier mentioned. To put it in simple terms, it means using a coupon unethically for an item you have shopped for, instead of using it for the item it is made for.  Several such instances of coupon fraud have been reported as per the Coupon Information Center. 

We know this might have you wondering what could be the issue in using a different coupon for some other items that you shopped for. Well, moms, even though it seems like it doesn’t affect anybody, it actually does. Along with retailers/manufacturers who raise the price of items to make up for the losses, shoppers like you also get affected. If you indulge in coupon frauds and are caught in the act then you are bound to face legal action. 

If you haven’t come across these ‘Glitch Groups’, then you must know that there are groups who tell you how to exploit coupons to increase your savings on items priced lower than the product you purchased. These glitch groups decode the errors and weaknesses of the coupon barcode, which means a high-priced product coupon can be used on a low-priced product to either get it at an extremely minimal rate or free of cost. 

To understand this better, let’s take an instance- if you use a $1 Off coupon on a product priced not more than 99 cents, then you might get it free and indulge in coupon glitch. Not only this! More than one person can use the same coupon as well, in case there are some errors on the coupon barcode. 

Adding on to this, these social media glitch groups have taken a step forward to share the coupon glitches to others and even train their members on how to tackle the cashier and avoid getting caught in such fraudulent activities. Nonetheless, moms, this coupon glitch will not just impact your shopping but also might land you in bigger trouble. And by that, we mean legal consequences by the manufacturers. 

Manufacturers clearly specify the product on the coupons, yet the barcode errors and even the cashier’s negligence in scanning the coupons accurately are both accounted for as coupon frauds. 

 So, moms, now you can truly understand not all coupons you come across on different sites are actually worth using. Also, the next time you head to shop at any supermarket or any other stores, we suggest you prefer opting for coupons collected or bought from reliable sites. You can even check out  MommySavesBig, for some reliable coupons. 

Besides moms, there is absolutely nothing to stress over, as these glitches can be tactfully avoided. Of course, people indulge in coupon glittering unintentionally as well. However, it is always better to understand the coupon guidelines laid down by the manufacturers first and get yourself accustomed to the terms and conditions of using them. After all, nothing is better than being a responsible couponer, right moms?

Since you already have achieved some clarity on what is coupon glittering, you know by now that you will be most affected of all. Yes moms, if you intentionally or unintentionally involved in coupon glittering, then it is you who face the consequences as we mentioned before. Since retailers increase their price incurred due to coupon frauds, you might end up paying more. 

While you might think you’re saving more money but actually you’re making way to spend more money on future purchases. And not to forget, since coupon glittering is illegal, you might end up jeopardizing all your savings. Why take a chance then, mommies? Utilize shopping sprees, discounts, sales, and membership programs to buy whatever you want at a discounted price. Plus, this is a safe and ethical shopping practice. 

Budgeting and looking for discounts during shopping is surely a great way to save a few bucks. We are sure that many of you do that but it is also important to know and protect yourself as a customer from frauds like coupon glittering. Also, we hope our detailed information on coupon glittering, helps you and you are more careful when using coupons. 

So, mommies, grab more reliable coupons to shop more and save more!