A Las Vegas resident, Serena Reamy Hedden, pleaded guilty to producing and distributing counterfeit store coupons with inflated values. According to court records, between August 2017 and September 2019, Hedden created nearly 3.5 million fake coupons at her home. The coupons were designed with values much higher than legitimate ones, allowing users to obtain retail items for free or at a significant discount.
Hedden sold these counterfeit coupons online and through social media to co-conspirators, mailing them via the United States Postal Service. She also sold merchandise acquired with the fake coupons from her garage.
Federal agents executed a search warrant at Hedden’s residence on September 17, 2019. They discovered electronic equipment used for making the counterfeit coupons, specialized paper and printers, large numbers of fake coupons, packing materials, and ledger pages documenting transactions. An analysis of bar codes revealed that the scheme caused losses totaling at least $20.8 million.
“This case demonstrates the serious impact of large-scale counterfeit coupon schemes on retailers and consumers alike,” said Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang. “Serena Hedden’s actions not only defrauded businesses out of millions of dollars, but also undermined the integrity of the marketplace. We remain committed to investigating and prosecuting those who engage in such fraudulent activity.”
Hedden admitted guilt to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. She faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on May 7, 2026. The final sentence will be determined by a federal judge based on sentencing guidelines and statutory considerations.
The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Wang for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). HSI led the investigation, and Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Frayn is prosecuting the case.
