Eric Glasser , WTLV
Don't fall for it. There's a coupon making its way around social media circles, offering a $75 discount at Publix Super Markets.
The problem is – it’s a fake, and trying to download it may actually end up costing you.
“I have seen it on the internet,” said Linda Dozier, who has seen the coupon online.
The sophisticated, very real-looking coupon is making its way around social media. It looks legit, complete with logo, bar code, expiration date and more.
But aside from the “too good to be true” aspect, Dozier was suspicious, “Because it asks you to fill out stuff. Put your name, and all the stuff up there. Which is personal,” she said.
The offer, says Publix, is in fact, bogus and will not be honored at any location.
Worse -- people who fall for it might become victims of identity theft.
The link Dozier was talking about, leads to a non-Publix website phishing for personal info. Maybe even installing malicious software.
“That information will get sold other companies. And then you would be on a marketing list, getting calls and unsolicited mail, emails phone calls,” said Brett Kappes, who owns Performance Computer Group in Tampa.
Lakeland-based Publix has posted a warning on its own Facebook page, urging customers not to fall for it.
“We have been made aware of a fraudulent coupon which appears to be offered by Publix. The coupon is not supported by Publix, and is not valid in any of our locations,” said Publix spokesman Brian West. “We recommend that our customers not participate in the promotion or provide any of their personal information. We are working currently to investigate the issue, and hope to have a resolution soon.”
Unfortunately, there's not much law enforcement may be able to do, because, according to investigators, there's no real crime to investigate. Yet.
Publix has not lost money since it won’t honor the coupon. Customers aren’t suffering a financial loss either. Although, they may be disappointed.
There's no way of knowing what -- whoever is behind this -- intends to do with the personal information they gathered, said Larry McKinnon with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
“As long as that information is not used for the legal purposes. Such as identity theft, or stealing money out of bank accounts,” said McKinnon.
If you think you may have fallen victim to this or any other coupon crimes, your best bet, says Kappes, is to run an up-to-date antivirus program. And keep a close eye on your credit statements.
