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Multi-Million Dollar Coupon Scam Unravels in Newark
A San Antonio woman, Janet Bernal, has been arrested and charged with wire fraud for selling counterfeit coupons worth over $18 million to retailers across the United States.
Bernal, also known as ‘Rocky,’ ‘Rocky G,’ ‘Rocky Gee,’ and ‘RockyG-Kruella,’ allegedly orchestrated a scheme to produce and sell fraudulent coupons through a monthly fee-based subscription group on a popular cloud-based messaging application.
Purchasers paid a monthly fee to access tens of thousands of counterfeit coupons, which they then redeemed at retail stores, including large pharmacies and grocery stores, in New Jersey and elsewhere.
The loss to 156 retail stores and manufacturers whose products were covered by the counterfeit coupons was approximately $18 million.
Bernal was released on $15,000 secured bond after appearing in federal court in San Antonio on August 27, 2024.
The charge of wire fraud carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offense.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark with the investigation leading to Bernal’s arrest.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Blake Coppotelli of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and Bernal is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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