A Virginia Beach couple was sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison combined after they were convicted of a counterfeit coupon scheme worth $31.8 million.
In a press release, the FBI claims the couple crafted fake coupons with 41-year-old Lori Ann Talens as the mastermind behind the scheme. The feds claimed Lori Ann taught herself how to manipulate bar codes and create valid coupons for any product.
"She had coupons for $24.99 off a $25 box of diapers. And it would work," wrote Postal Inspector Jason Thomasson. "And you'd have people walking out the door with those diapers for almost nothing."
Thomasson was tipped off by the Coupon Information Corporation before leading his investigation. When law enforcement raided the home of Lori Ann and her husband, 43-year-old Pacifico Talens Jr., investigators found coupons in "every crevice" of the residence and the couple's belongings. Coupon designs for 13,000 products were also found on Lori Ann's computer. Investigators claim the couple saved over $1 million on the counterfeits.
Lori Ann also recruited subscribers to the scheme. After recruiting and vetting subscribers through social media, she would sell her coupons. Lori Ann reportedly made $400,000 from subscribers during a three-year span and used the profits for home remodeling.
Special Agent Shannon Brill claimed the couple was able to operate under the radar due to the length of time it takes for coupons to be processed. Brill and Thomasson said the case is still ongoing as they're investigating Lori Ann's subscribers.
Pacifico Talens Jr. was sentenced in September to seven years behind bars for knowingly profiting off of the operation, whereas Lori Ann got 12 years.
Lori Ann Talens pleaded guilty to mail fraud, wire fraud, and health care fraud and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Pacifico Talens Jr. was sentenced to seven years for supporting the scheme.
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Source: CNN
