For at least three years, Lori Ann Talens worked at her home computer mixing, matching and perfecting an art that prosecutors say became one of the largest fraud schemes of its kind ever, worth more than $31 million to its victims. When federal agents raided her home in Virginia Beach, Va., they found evidence everywhere, prosecutors said: nearly $1 million in counterfeit coupons scattered around the house and more than 13,000 coupon designs on her computer, the material for “Frankenstein” coupons that scammed people around the country. Ms. Talens, 41, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Tuesday for operating what prosecutors called “one of the largest coupon fraud schemes” in U.S. history, saying it cost retailers and manufacturers more than $31 million in losses. Ms. Talens and her husband, Pacifico Talens, 43, pleaded guilty to mail fraud in April. Mr. Talens was sentenced last month to seven years and three months for his role in the operation.

Source: New York Times September 16, 2021 15:11 UTC