A couple from Virginia Beach is headed to prison for a combined nineteen years as a result of their $31.8 counterfeit coupon scheme. Lori Ann Talens and her husband, Pacifico Talens, Jr., had fake coupons in “every crevice of their house” according to an FBI press release last week.
Special agent Shannon Brill, speaking about Mrs. Talens, said “She trained herself in the different techniques she needed to manipulate barcodes to make these coupons work.” Talens, the mastermind of the scheme, created fake coupons at, near or above the items’ selling prices. She sold these coupons to folks through social media and an encrypted messaging app.
The three year scheme was uncovered by the Coupon Information Corporation, acting on a tip the organization received. Retailers and manufacturers lost a combined $31.8 million due to the scammers.
Lori Talens was sentenced to 12 years in prison in September. Her husband, who knew about the scheme and profited from it, received a 7 year sentence.
Among other things, the coupon used proceeds from their scheme for high end home renovations, including a kitchen remodel and a new pool. According to a statement, Talens is “deeply ashamed and embarrassed” by her actions.