A federal grand jury in New Jersey indicted a San Antonio woman accused of running a counterfeit coupon operation that defrauded retailers and manufacturers out of $17.8 million, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said.
Janet Bernal, 48, faces one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and five counts of wire fraud. Prosecutors allege she built a criminal enterprise that distributed fake retail coupons to paid subscribers through an encrypted cloud-based messaging app.
From June 2020 through August 2024, Bernal operated a subscription-based group where members paid a recurring fee for access to thousands of forged coupons. Users downloaded and redeemed the coupons at grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers across the country. Authorities say Bernal processed subscription payments through mobile cash services she directly managed.
Bernal created the counterfeit coupons to mimic legitimate offers from major product manufacturers. Her scheme allowed customers to obtain household items—ranging from cleaning supplies to personal care products—without paying retail prices. Prosecutors say the redemptions resulted in losses to more than 150 victims nationwide.
To execute the scheme, Bernal used wire communications across state lines, including digital transactions and online messaging tools. The indictment alleges she intentionally used false claims and misleading representations to steal money and property from retailers and brands. View the full indictment here.
Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the financial loss or gain—whichever is greater.
Postal inspectors in Newark led the investigation. U.S. Attorney Blake Coppotelli from the Economic Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Authorities have not announced a court date. Bernal remains presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.