Virginia Beach, Va. — Federal prosecutors announced new charges against five women connected to one of the largest coupon fraud schemes ever uncovered in the U.S. This scheme, masterminded by Lori Ann Talens and her husband Pacifico Talens, defrauded retailers out of $31 million before their arrest and sentencing in 2021.
Lori Ann Talens was a skilled graphic artist who, along with her husband, ran the elaborate fraud from their Virginia Beach home. Between April 2017 and May 2020, Lori designed and distributed counterfeit coupons for over 13,000 products, which she sold online to unsuspecting buyers. Federal authorities discovered thousands of counterfeit coupons and designs at her home during a raid.
“Lori was a particular threat due to her expertise in graphic design and understanding of the coupon barcode system,” said Bud Miller, Executive Director of the Coupon Information Center. “She was the industry’s worst nightmare.”
The women now facing charges are Sherise Williams of Palmetto, Florida; Amber Teague of Louisville, Kentucky; Jennifer Snyder of Lavon, Texas; Melissa Apodaca of Thornton, Colorado; and Cindi Swindle of Jacksonville, Florida. Each is accused of purchasing counterfeit coupons from Talens, with Williams allegedly spending over $19,000 on 274 transactions, resulting in a loss of $1.3 million to retailers.
Miller expressed relief at the arrests, stating, “We are pleased that some of her most active clients have been apprehended.” He emphasized the widespread impact of coupon fraud, which increases costs for legitimate coupon users and drives up product prices due to retailer losses.
Experts have since developed new technology, including an app that helps retailers detect counterfeit coupons, something Talens herself identified as a solution to prevent future fraud.
The women facing charges will be tried in Norfolk, with prosecutors continuing to follow the trail of this massive fraud operation.