Q: What makes Internet coupons different from those in the newspaper, and which area stores do not accept Internet coupons?

 A: At least three area stores do not accept Internet coupons — Woodman’s, Millers & Sons Super Market in Verona and Pierce’s Northside Market in Madison. Others, like the Piggly Wiggly in Waunakee, accept some Internet coupons with some restrictions.

About 90 percent of grocery coupons come from the glossy inserts in newspapers and magazines, but Charles Brown, vice president of marketing for nchmarketing.com, said coupons printed from the Internet are a small but rapidly growing source.

The problem: A number of counterfeit coupons are currently being circulated on the Internet, according to the nonprofit Coupon Information Corp.(www.cents-off.com). This is a criminal offense that can be investigated and prosecuted by federal, state or local law enforcement authorities.

Counterfeit coupons were rare prior to 2001, but the Internet boosted activity. Brandon Scholz, president of the Wisconsin Grocers Association, said consumers should be smart. "A good rule of thumb for consumers to determine whether or not an Internet coupon is legit is whether or not it seems reasonable," he said. "If a coupon is too good of a deal, chances are it’s a fake.

"Coupons tend to be less than a dollar, so if someone finds a coupon for $5 or $10 or for a free product with a high retail cost, it’s probably a fake."

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