Texas woman sentenced for $17M counterfeit coupon scheme
Prosecutors say Janet Bernal sold subscriptions giving members access to thousands of counterfeit coupons that were redeemed at stores nationwide.
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A Texas woman has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for running a counterfeit coupon scheme that prosecutors say cost retailers and manufacturers more than $17 million.
Janet Bernal, 49, of San Antonio, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She was sentenced Wednesday in federal court in Newark.
Federal prosecutors said Bernal produced counterfeit coupons and sold access to them from June 2020 through August 2024 through a subscription group on an online messaging platform. Members paid a monthly fee for unlimited access to counterfeit coupons Bernal posted for download.
Prosecutors said members downloaded thousands of coupons and redeemed them at stores in New Jersey and across the country, including pharmacies and grocery stores.
Bernal was also sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit more than $67,000 and pay nearly $17.9 million in restitution.
