{"id":2934,"date":"2010-12-12T23:15:41","date_gmt":"2010-12-12T23:15:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/joethecouponguy.com\/blog1\/?p=2934"},"modified":"2010-12-14T02:50:15","modified_gmt":"2010-12-14T02:50:15","slug":"deals-o-the-week-scams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joethecouponguy.com\/blog1\/2010\/12\/12\/deals-o-the-week-scams\/","title":{"rendered":"DEALS O’ THE WEEK, SCAMS"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Your turn…<\/p>\n

MAR-LOU SHOES<\/strong>
\nGet a free $10 gift card for Dave’s Supermarket when you try on New Balance shoes and bring an ad found in the front page section of the Sunday 12\/12 PD. Coupon ad expires 12\/31\/10.<\/p>\n

NEWS-HERALD<\/strong>
\nGet the Sunday News-Herald for $1 at Bondi’s at 38803 Lakeshore Blvd in Willoughby. Offer ends 12\/26\/10.<\/p>\n


\n\"Check<\/a><\/p>\n

BORDERS<\/strong>
\nGet around 50% off on New York Times best sellers. Free shipping!
\nClick here to order:
\nBORDERS DEALS<\/a><\/p>\n


\n\"BookCloseOuts.com\"<\/a><\/p>\n

BOOKCLOSEOUTS<\/strong>Get new books up to 90% off. Books make great gifts because they fit into stockings.
\nClick here to order:
\nBOOKCLOSEOUT DEALS<\/a><\/p>\n

TOYS-R-US<\/strong>
\nThe holidays aren’t the same without crazy fighting and gamesmanship over board games at family gatherings. Everyone has that ultra-competitive family member or one that quits after their interpretation of the rules aren’t followed. Create the animosity and grudges for life by getting board games. And find out the IQ pecking order of who will be deemed the smartest in the family by their number of board game wins. <\/p>\n

$4.99 for these games after $3 rebate: Operation (great game after 8 cups of espresso), Trouble, Battleship, Twister, Connect 4, & Trouble.<\/p>\n

$2.99 after $2 rebate: Memory, Andts in the Pants, Hi Ho! Cherry-O, Chutes and Ladders, Candyland<\/p>\n

30% to 35% off on most other games.<\/p>\n


\n\"Flowers<\/a><\/p>\n

FTD<\/strong>
\nGet 25% to 50% off with a deal on each day leading to Christmas including some at $19.99.
\nClick here to order:
\nFTD DEAL<\/a><\/p>\n

MICHAELS<\/strong>
\n50% off any regular priced item coupon in ad – good 12\/12 & 12\/13. Up to 60% off on Christmas items.<\/p>\n

WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED<\/strong>
\nFree 2 lb deluxe birdseed coupon in 12\/9 PD.<\/p>\n

ALDIS<\/strong>
\nCelery – 69 cents
\nRusset Potatoes – $1.69 – 10 lb bag
\nNavel Oranges – $1.49 – 4 lb bag
\nPineapple – $1.49<\/p>\n

WALGREENS<\/strong>
\nFree after register rewards:
\nActive-On for Arthiritis or Muscle\/Pain
\nGoody barets<\/p>\n

M&M holiday bags – 4\/$3 after $5 register rewards and $2\/3 coupon.<\/p>\n

CVS<\/strong>
\nExcedrin PM – buy $20 worth and get $10 in extra bucks – use four $2.50 – about free
\nDuracell Batteries – get $5 in extra bucks with a purchase of $15 worth – priced $2.99 and $5.99 on sale – plus use coupons
\nComplete contact solution – free after extra bucks<\/p>\n

RITE AID<\/strong>
\nColgate – free and make money after $1 coupon
\nRite Aid brand envelopes and tape – BOGO – plus get $1 in UP rewards
\nVelveeta\/Hormel entrees – 99 cents after $1 UP rewards
\nPrecise heat patch or cream – 2\/$3 after $2 UP reward and $5 coupon
\nEcotools – free on some items after BOGO50% and $5\/2 in UP rewards
\nBlue Diamond almonds – BOGO – plus use .50 off coupon found here:
\nhttp:\/\/www.bluediamond.com\/index.cfm?navid=8<\/a><\/p>\n

GIANT EAGLE<\/strong>
\nLast chance to get 20 cents off per gallon with each $50 worth of gift cards purchases. Ends 12\/15. <\/p>\n

Zone Perfect bars – free after $1 coupon
\nSara Lee Pies – BOGO – use .75 coupon = $1.74 a pie (don’t need to buy two for the BOGO deal – each item is half off)
\nCoffeemate creamer – free after .75 coupon that doubles at http:\/\/www.coffee-mate.com\/offers\/default.aspx<\/a>Breakstone sour cream – 40 cents after .55 coupon that doubles
\nMartha White baking mix – 10\/$10 plus get $2 on your next shopping trip coupon with purchase of 10 – plus use $1\/4 coupon – in the end you can get 12 for $7
\nMentos – free after .55 or $1.00 coupon<\/p>\n

GIFT CARDS<\/strong>
\nGetting a gift card involves risk since the store could go out of business leaving the card worthless. So use them quickly or give cash wrapped up with coupons for the store! Here are some locations that are offering deals on their gift cards – note some may offer a bonus gift card that is good for a limited amount of time – deal may vary at selected stores:<\/p>\n

AMC \u2013 $10 in concessions wyb $50 worth of Gift Cards
\nApplebee\u2019s \u2013 Buy $50 in gift cards, get $10 bonus card.
\nArby\u2019s – Participating locations are offering a free combo when you buy a $20 gift card.
\nBarnes and Noble \u2013 Buy $100 gift card, get a $20 bonus card.
\nBen & Jerry\u2019s \u2013 Get a free ice cream when you buy a gift card for $10 or more.
\nBenihana \u2013 Buy $50 gift card, get $10 bonus card.
\nBob Evans \u2013 $10 Gift Card wyb $50 worth of Gift Cards
\nBonefish grill \u2013 Buy $100 gift card, get a $20 bonus card.
\nBorders \u2013 $10 Bonus Coupon wyb $50 Gift Card (Bonus coupon valid 12\/26-12\/31)
\nBrunswick Zone \u2013 $5 Certificate wyb $25 worth of Gift Cards
\nBuffalo Wild Wings \u2013 $5 Coupon wyb $25 Gift Card
\nCalifornia Pizza Kitchen – Buy a $100 gift card and get a free $20 bonus card that is valid Jan. 10, 2011 through Mar. 25, 2011.
\nCarraba\u2019s Italian Grill \u2013 Buy $100 gift card, get a $20 bonus card.
\nCheesecake Factory \u2013 Get a voucher for a free slice of cheesecake on your next visit when you buy a $25 gift card. Ends Dec. 24, 2010.
\nChick-fil-A – Select locations are giving away a free 2011 calender stocked with freebies when you buy a $20 gift card. Otherwise the calenders cost $6.
\nChili\u2019s \u2013 Gift card orders of $100 or more are 10% off.
\nCiCi\u2019s Pizza \u2013 Buy a $20 gift card, get a coupon for a free adult buffet.
\nDenny\u2019s \u2013 Buy $25 gift card, get a $5 bonus card.
\nFamous Dave\u2019s \u2013 Buy $25 gift card, get a $5 bonus card.
\nFazoli\u2019s \u2013 Buy $20 gift card, get a $5 bonus card.
\nFriendly\u2019s \u2013 Buy $25 gift card, get a $5 bonus card.
\nFuddruckers \u2013 Get a $5 bonus gift card for every $25 gift card you buy. Ends Dec. 31, 2010. The bonus cards are valid Jan. 1, 2011 through Feb. 28, 2011.
\nIHOP \u2013 Buy $25 gift card, get a $5 off coupon.
\nJamba Juice \u2013 Buy $25 gift card, get a free sixteen size smoothie.
\nJoe\u2019s Crab Shack \u2013 Buy $25 gift card, get $5 bonus bucks.
\nLL Bean \u2013 $10 Gift Card wyb $50 worth of Gift Cards or Merchandise
\nMacaroni Grill \u2013 $5 Gift Card wyb $25 Gift Card
\nMax & Ermas \u2013 $5 Bonus Gift Card wyb $25 Gift Card
\nO\u2019Charley\u2019s \u2013 Buy $25 gift card, get a $5 bonus card.
\nOutback Steakhouse- $20 Gift Card wyb $100 Gift Card
\nPanda Express \u2013 Free Two Entree Plate wyb $25 Gift Card
\nPF Chang\u2019s \u2013 Buy $50 gift card, get a $10 bonus card.
\nQdoba Mexican Grill \u2013 Buy $25 gift card, get a $5 bonus card.
\nRed Robin \u2013 Buy $25 in gift cards, get a $5 gift card FREE
\nRomano\u2019s Macaroni Grill \u2013 Buy $25 in gift cards, get a $5 gift card FREE
\nRuth\u2019s Chris Steakhouse \u2013 Buy $250 in gift cards, get 10% back in bonus cards.
\nScrambler Marie\u2019s \u2013 $10 Gift Card wyb $50 Gift Card
\nSmokey Bones \u2013 $5 Gift Card wyb $25 Gift Card
\nSteak \u2018n Shake \u2013 $5 Bonus Certificate wyb $20 Gift Card
\nSubway \u2013 Free 6\u2033 Sub wyb $25 Gift Card
\nT.G.I. Friday\u2019s \u2013 $5 Gift Card wyb $25 Gift Card
\nTaco Bell \u2013 Free Large Soda wyb $10 or $20 Gift Card
\nTGIFriday\u2019s \u2013 Buy $25 in gift cards, get a $5 bonus card.
\nUno Chicago Grill \u2013 Buy $25 in gift cards, get a $5 bonus card.
\nWendy\u2019s \u2013 Free Fries wyb $15 Gift Card<\/p>\n

BEER REBATES<\/strong>
\nFind them in the beer section\/displays of area stores.
\nCoors – buy $100 or more in gift cards and one 18 pack of Coors Light or Coors Banque get a $25 rebate.
\nHeineken\/Amstel – buy $80 worth of groceries and two 12 packs of Heineken or Amstel Light get a $20 rebate.
\nHeineken\/Amstel – buy $20 worth of Christmas tree or holiday decorations and one 12 packs of Heineken or Amstel Light get a $15 rebate.
\nBudweiser – buy over $10 in salty snacks, ice, coolers, condiments, dips, bottled water, pizza, buns, and prepared foods from the deli and one 12 pack of Budweiser get a $10 rebate.
\nBudweiser – buy over $10 of any turkey, ham, or deli platter and one 12 pack of Budwesier get a $10 rebate.<\/p>\n

WINE REBATES<\/strong>Look for a $5 rebate tag on Estancia wine when you buy $10 worth of groceries and a bottle of Estancia wine. Found it on sale for $10.99 at Giant Eagle.<\/p>\n


\n\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

BEST DEAL MAGAZINES<\/strong>
\nGreat affordable deals for magazine subscriptions – make great gifts!<\/p>\n

Weekly Deals:
\nWEIGHT WATCHERS
\nAdditional 50% Off
\n$7.48 for 1 year
\nCoupon Code: WWSPECIAL <\/p>\n

FRESH HOME
\nAdditional 60% Off
\n$6 for 1 year
\nCoupon Code: HOME <\/p>\n

SHAPE
\nAdditional 20% Off
\n$3.75 for 1 year
\nCoupon Code: WKLYSPEC <\/p>\n

Deal of the Day:
\n12\/13 – Angels on Earth 1 Year – $4.39
\n12\/14 – Bowhunt America 1 Year – $5.39
\n12\/15 – Elle Decor 1 Year – $5.39
\n12\/16 – Car & Driver 1 Year – $4.39
\n12\/17 – Budget Travel 1 Year – $4.39
\n12\/18 – Clean Eating 1 Year – $9.39
\n12\/19 – Shopsmart 1 Year – $19.89<\/p>\n

Take An Extra 15% Off Most Titles – Code: PXCJ1219 Offer Expires December 19, 2010
\n250+ Magazines under $10 with this coupon!
\n55+ Popular Magazines – Just $3.99 with this coupon!
\n30+ Popular Magazines – Just $5.24 with this coupon!<\/p>\n

TAKE AN EXTRA $5 OFF $30 ORDER COUPON – Code: MNDCJ1219 Offer Expires December 19, 2010
\nTAKE AN EXTRA $7.50 OFF $40 ORDER COUPON – Code: MQQCJ1219 Offer Expires December 19, 2010
\nTAKE AN EXTRA $10 OFF $50 ORDER COUPON – Code: MQPCJ1219 Offer Expires December 19, 2010<\/p>\n

Click here to order:
\nBEST DEAL MAGAZINE DEALS<\/a><\/p>\n


\n\"Tire<\/a><\/p>\n

TIRE RACK<\/strong>
\nSlip sliding in the snow? Need new tires? I find the best prices on Tire Rack. Purchase them and install them yourself or have your local dealer price match them. It will tell you the best tires for your car and rates the best ones according to people that have purchased them for their car. Check for rebates on tires on the site too. <\/p>\n

Click here to order:
\nTIRE RACK DEALS<\/a><\/p>\n

ATLAS CINEMAS <\/strong>
\nGet 4 admissions for half off for Atlas Cinemas. Click here:
\n http:\/\/woiowf.incentrev.com\/detail\/DQZL0DD4EF20D64 <\/a>
\nor here:
\nhttp:\/\/cleveholiday1.mediawebconnect.com\/Atlas-Cinemas\/30738 <\/a><\/p>\n

REOPENED <\/strong>
\nWexler’s Tavern & Eatery – Cleveland (Old Brooklyn)<\/p>\n

OPENING<\/strong>
\nKumo Japanese Seafood Buffet – Parma<\/p>\n

CLOSING <\/strong>
\nBC Roosters – Brooklyn
\nSportsman – Cleveland
\nVF Outlet – Parma & Willoughby Hills – now 40% to 60% off.
\nBig Lots – Brookpark – at 20% off now (thanks for the tip Terrence!) <\/p>\n

AJ WRIGHT <\/strong>
\nTJX Cos, the company that also owns T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods is closing 71 of their A.J. Wright discount stores. Ninety-one will be converted into T.J. Maxx, Marshalls or HomeGoods stores. Discounts are starting out at 25% off. <\/p>\n

The following stores are closing permanently:
\nCalifornia<\/strong>
\nBakersfield
\nSan Bernadino\/Colton
\nEl Monte
\nInglewood
\nLa Puente
\nConnecticut<\/strong>
\nBridgeport
\nHamden
\nWest Haven
\nWethersfield
\nFlorida <\/strong>
\nJacksonville (St. John’s Square)
\nGeorgia <\/strong>
\nDecatur
\nStone Mountain
\nIllinois <\/strong>
\nCalumet Park
\nChicago (Six Corners)
\nChicago (Bricktown Square)
\nCicero (Cicero Marketplace)
\nForest Park
\nChicago (Washington Square)
\nRiver Grove
\nEvanston
\nMarkham
\nLoves Park
\nMatteson
\nIndiana <\/strong>
\nHighland
\nMassachusetts <\/strong>
\nFitchburg
\nMalden
\nMedford
\nMethuen
\nNew Bedford
\nQuincy
\nSomerville
\nSpringfield (Lowe’s Plaza)
\nWaltham
\nWorcester (Perkins Farms Plaza
\nMaryland<\/strong>
\nBaltimore (Meadows Park Shopping Center)
\nMichigan <\/strong>
\nGrand Rapids
\nOak Park
\nRedford
\nSouthgate
\nNew Hampshire <\/strong>
\nNashua
\nNew Jersey<\/strong>
\nNorth Brunswick
\nNorth Bergen
\nNew York <\/strong>
\nAlbany
\nAmherst
\nBuffalo (Delaware Consumer Square)
\nWest Seneca
\nCheektowaga
\nIrondequoit
\nLong Island City
\nNewburgh
\nSchenectady
\nSyracuse (Shop City Plaza)
\nSyracuse (Western Lights Plaza)
\nUtica
\nOhio <\/strong>
\nWilloughby Hills
\nColumbus (Great Western Shopping Center)
\nColumbus (Great Southern Shopping Center)
\nColumbus (Town & Country Plaza)
\nPennsylvania <\/strong>
\nPittsburgh (Edgewood Towne Center)
\nPittsburgh (Crafton-Ingram Shopping Center)
\nPhiladelphia (Park West Shopping Center)
\nWyncote
\nRhode Island <\/strong>
\nEast Providence <\/p>\n

SCAMS <\/strong>
\nDuring the holiday season avoid getting scammed. Beware of scams that will drain your finances. If someone approaches you about a get-rich deal, it is probably a scam. If they pressure you to make a decision fast then it is even more likely a scam. Always check out references, licenses, the BBB, the Internet, etc. to see if the person or organization is legitimate. <\/p>\n

Some people fall victim to scams because they have fallen into hard times or are greedy. Do your homework first, otherwise you will find yourself with less money instead of more and without any recourse. Fraudsters tend to target those entering retirement age because they tend to have money. <\/p>\n

Check the background of a company at http:\/\/www.AngiesList.com<\/a>, http:\/\/www.BBB.org<\/a>, http:\/\/www.servicemagic.com, http:\/\/www.improvenet.com<\/a>, http:\/\/www.complaints.com<\/a>, http:\/\/www.pissedconsumer.com<\/a>, http:\/\/www.sitejabber<\/a> (checks web-sites), http:\/\/www.cleveland.com\/scamfinder<\/a>, http:\/\/www.scambusters.org<\/a>, or http:\/\/www.ripoffreport.com<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Avoid fraudulent companies by asking them questions that might indicate whether they are fraudulent. When getting called ask what their web-site is, the manager\u2019s phone number, what their phone number is, their address, and references. Fraudulent companies don\u2019t want to tell you those things because it allows you to check on their background. <\/p>\n

Another red flag is misspellings on their web-site. Check Google Streetview at http:\/\/www.maps.google.com\/help\/streetview<\/a> to check what their building looks like if there even is one, to make sure it has a sign for the business, and if it isn\u2019t a totally different business itself like a bait shop. <\/p>\n

If you have the 800 number of the person that called you, check http:\/\/www.800notes.com<\/a> to find the number in their directory of unknown callers. People report number of suspicious companies on the site. <\/p>\n

I get calls from scammers at work at times. I just love messing with them. They usually start off the call right away with needing a model number of a printer we have or they will ask how it is doing. They are very easy to identify. They talk to you as if they know you. So without answering them, I quickly follow it up with asking how their wife and kids are. I ask them in succession all the items above about their phone number, the company’s web-site, etc. They usually say they don’t have a direct phone number for themselves. I then say, how am I supposed to get a hold of you then? <\/p>\n

I ask them what is the name of their business and where they are located. It usually is something generic like Business Products. While I’m beating them down I look up the company name online. They almost never can be found online. It doesn’t take long before they hang up on me. But sure enough, they call back within so many weeks or months since I’m on some kind of call list they have. <\/p>\n

Sometimes I will even open up a conversation with the caller about how they aren’t a legit company and that they may want to get a new job. Knowing that they are doing so, they have told me that there aren’t any jobs out there. Some even take it to heart since they are probably wondering themselves and they ask me more questions about what I know since they have their suspicions about the company. Ya gotta figure they sense that it’s a scam, but if they are hard up for a job they just put up with what seems like a scheme. And that’s another trick. Type in the name of the company on Google and the word ‘problems’ or ‘scam’ and you may find lots of results. <\/p>\n

Politics is also built on getting others to believe the other party is the boogeyman so they make false statements to help their cause or incite fear. Many throw out distortions to fake out their followers to make the other side look bad. So it’s important to keep an open mind and check the facts yourself. Look for scams and these kind of distortions on http:\/\/www.snopes.com<\/a> and you will find tons of these falsehoods reported there. Just like those e-mails you get about someone in Nigeria bequething millions to you there are many bogus political e-mails chains that are false. <\/p>\n

Keep an open mind of what is printed in the paper too. It was first reported that the train line from Cincy to Cleveland would go 39 mph for the average speed, but with new data it was found to be 50 mph with speeds of 79 mph for 70% of the distance and 90 mph being workable. Make it faster if ya didn’t like it! Fix the problem I say! Make it beneficial and useful and keep it within costs. Now the $400 million given to Ohio is going to other states. Article on it: http:\/\/www.cleveland.com\/opinion\/index.ssf\/2010\/12\/ohios_outgoing_governor_defend.html <\/a><\/p>\n

So don’t get taken. Ask questions. In the words of Flavor Flav, “Don’t believe the hype!” <\/p>\n


\n\"Restaurant.com<\/a><\/p>\n

RESTAURANT.COM<\/strong>
\nThere are a few different options for getting restaurant gift certificates\/cards via Restaurant.com. <\/p>\n

RESTAURANT.COM eGIFT CARDS
\nPrint or Email Instantly – Even on Christmas Day! Choose your design. Customize with gift messages. <\/p>\n

RESTAURANT.COM PHYSICAL GIFT CARDS
\nFree Standard Shipping – guaranteed before Christmas when ordered by 12\/16. Free Expedited Shipping on orders over $40 – guaranteed before Christmas when ordered by 12\/21. Customize with gift messages. <\/p>\n

DINNER OF THE MONTH CLUB
\n$25 Restaurant.com eGift Card is sent out monthly via email. FREE bonus eGift Card with every Dinner of the Month Club purchase. Print or Email instantly 3, 6, or 12-month options.<\/p>\n

Redeem online at over 15,000 restaurants nationwide. There are no expiration dates or fees! Current Deal: <\/p>\n

Get 80% off Restaurant.com $25 Gift Certificates! Pay only $2 for $25 restaurant gift certificates! Use code JOY at checkout now through 12\/12\/10. <\/p>\n

Look for new restaurants! Great to use when travelling or as gifts! <\/p>\n

Click here to order:
\nRESTAURANT.COM DEAL<\/a> <\/p>\n

WENDYS <\/strong>Get a free order of natural cut french fries with sea salt at Wendys when you friend them on Facebook. I had them and they are good! Free made them taste so much better. Click here:
\nhttp:\/\/www.facebook.com\/wendys <\/a><\/p>\n

ENTERTAINMENT BOOK <\/strong>
\nAll Entertainment Books are $19.99 with free shipping plus additional books are only $15! Offer valid through 12\/20\/10. Great stocking stuffer! Get some for cities you\u2019ll travel to in the next year. <\/p>\n

Click here to order:
\nENTERTAINMENT BOOK DEAL <\/a><\/p>\n


\n\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

GROUPON DEALS<\/strong>
\nCleveland area deals (limited time deals):
\n$10 for an 8×8 Soft Cover Photobook up to 40 pages from A&I Books! ($30 value).
\nOnline Deal $25 for $50 Worth of Customizable Gifts from Zazzle.com.
\nOnline Deal $40 for $100 Worth of Memory Preservation from ScanDigital Photo and Video Digitization.
\n$10 for $20 Worth of Health-Conscious Fare at Treehugger’s Caf\u00e9.
\n$20 for a Signature Herbal Body Wrap and Facial at Herbal Therapy Wraps (Up To $110 Value). <\/p>\n

They are now in Youngstown! Here is their newest deals:
\n$30 for Four Kickboxing Classes, One 40-Minute Personal-Training Session, and a Free Pair of Boxing Gloves from iLoveKickboxing.com ($105 Value)<\/p>\n

Groupon is in over 150 cities so check out the deals in your town.<\/p>\n

Click here to order:
\nGROUPON DEALS<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

OUR TOWN AND ALL AROUND COUPON BOOK<\/strong>
\nNeed a gift for someone that has everything? Get them a practical gift – the Our Town coupon book. The book can pay for itself by using just one or two coupons! The new book has around 1,000 coupons.<\/p>\n

Keep the Our Town book in your car and check it before you go shopping or eat at a restaurant, golfing, going to the movies, shopping, wineries, etc.. <\/p>\n

The best coupon book available in Northeast Ohio! Don\u2019t leave home without it!
\nFree shipping!<\/p>\n

Click here to order:
\nhttp:\/\/www.joethecouponguy.com\/merchandise\/index.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

And with each Our Town book ordered get a 2 for 1 discount coupon for Atlas Cinemas – pass expires 1\/15\/11. Plus get a coupon for a free movie ticket when 5 popcorns are purchased with one stamp already applied – limited offer while supplies last! <\/p>\n

Joe
\nhttp:\/\/www.joethecouponguy.com <\/a><\/p>\n