Gentle PLEA to use Tesco codes sensibly

spender

I have used Tesco's codes and quite frankly many people visit this site and do not register and still use the codes, I believe that is why many people read these threads (I can't understand why they would visit these threads if not too gain from them). However I have looked at the definition of fraud and I imagine that if the code was not published widely, and by widely I mean freely available from a magazine etc, and was sent to be used by one person only, then I imagine this could be fraud as the definition states "a deception deliberately practiced in order to secure unfair or unlawful gain". We are obtaining gain by using a code not meant to be used by us. However on the back of Tesco code vouchers sent out or in the email do they mention anywhere that they must only be used by the recipicent? Do they also mention misuse could constitute fraud? If they do not have this on them would not the onus be on Tesco's to prove that they should not have been used by other persons. I did note on the Tescos website they specifically state that codes should not be used that have been displayed on internet bargain websites.

Hopefully some legal wizzes can explain this all to us a bit better.

I do use the codes but I do agree that we should be sensible in order for all of us to have moderate gains all off the time, instead of no gains at all.

I for one sincerely hope that we can ALL continue to enjoy this little bonus. Tesco's will survive whether we shop there or not and I have a suspicion that even if codes are withdrawn even our protestors will still continue to shop there, but to pinch that well used Asda's phrase "every little helps".

Apologies for spelling in this post but it is bedtime and my brain switched off several hours ago.

CopperPlate_2

Well, I think you'll find that you are gaining an advantage to which you are not entitled to given that you are not following the terms and conditions of the coupon/voucher, etc. You are not - correction, we are not - complying with the terms because the voucher will likely stipulate it is not transferrable, cannot be used by another individual etc, etc. In essence we are obtaining an advantage by "deceiving" another - be that a computer or otherwise - and that is the essence of fraud. If you went into a shop and attempted to pass yourself off as the genuine holder of a gift voucher which you knew you were not entitled to possess or use, and you know that you are not entitled to use/possess it, then you might not like it, but technically, it is fraud. You are actively seeking someone to disadvantage themselves in some form or other whilst at the same time obtain an advantage for yourself.

spender

Thats Copperplate, a very clear answer, better than my ramblings.

CopperPlate_2

spender wrote:

However I have looked at the definition of fraud and I imagine that if the code was not published widely, and by widely I mean freely available from a magazine etc, and was sent to be used by one person only, then I imagine this could be fraud as the definition states "a deception deliberately practiced in order to secure unfair or unlawful gain". We are obtaining gain by using a code not meant to be used by us. However on the back of Tesco code vouchers sent out or in the email do they mention anywhere that they must only be used by the recipicent? Do they also mention misuse could constitute fraud? If they do not have this on them would not the onus be on Tesco's to prove that they should not have been used by other persons. I did note on the Tescos website they specifically state that codes should not be used that have been displayed on internet bargain websites.

Hopefully some legal wizzes can explain this all to us a bit better.

I do use the codes but I do agree that we should be sensible in order for all of us to have moderate gains all off the time, instead of no gains at all.

I for one sincerely hope that we can ALL continue to enjoy this little bonus. Tesco's will survive whether we shop there or not and I have a suspicion that even if codes are withdrawn even our protestors will still continue to shop there, but to pinch that well used Asda's phrase "every little helps".

Apologies for spelling in this post but it is bedtime and my brain switched off several hours ago.

My point exactly. None of us are actively out to rip off anyone. We all use the codes - I did tonight! - and I wait to see if it's rejected too!

The difficulty is that - and I don't have a coupon to check - it may refer you to the stated terms and conditions - or say "terms and conditions apply". It's the same principle as buying a bus ticket - they can't print their entire T&C's on a bus ticket so somewhere on there there may be a referral clause, referring you to a noticeboard in a bus station somewhere or, as in this case, to the Tesco website or to your clubcard terms and conditions which we've all probably signed up for and, by using the card, have impliedly accepted them.

Anyway, I think we're getting hot and bothered about it and I wish I hadn't said anything about it now as some people are going to start to get cross...

CopperPlate_2

Sorry Spender - saw you'd posted after I posted my rantings...

smartsaver

CopperPlate wrote:

My point exactly. None of us are actively out to rip off anyone. We all use the codes - I did tonight! - and I wait to see if it's rejected too!

The difficulty is that - and I don't have a coupon to check - it may refer you to the stated terms and conditions - or say "terms and conditions apply". It's the same principle as buying a bus ticket - they can't print their entire T&C's on a bus ticket so somewhere on there there may be a referral clause, referring you to a noticeboard in a bus station somewhere or, as in this case, to the Tesco website or to your clubcard terms and conditions which we've all probably signed up for and, by using the card, have impliedly accepted them.

Anyway, I think we're getting hot and bothered about it and I wish I hadn't said anything about it now as some people are going to start to get cross...

The majority agree with you

MimiJane

This is not the only forum to publish Tesco codes (or any other store for that matter). There are many forums available to obtain codes if you do a web search. I'm sure Tesco are well aware of this and choose to "turn a blind eye" rather than risk a loss of profit ... though it would have to be some loss to affect them!

They have to have terms and conditions to fall back on if need be but, providing there is not a mass abuse of the system and the majority of us respect the advantages of the codes available to us, I doubt very much if we have anything to worry about.

Premier_2

So as long as only 1 or 2 shoplifters visit Tesco they'll turn a blind eye will they?

It's only when eveyone goes there and takes stuff without paying will they actually decide to take action?

smartsaver

Premier wrote:

So as long as only 1 or 2 shoplifters visit Tesco they'll turn a blind eye will they?

It's only when eveyone goes there and takes stuff without paying will they actually decide to take action?

No - they will take action when the codes start to be a burden and cease to increase their profit. This is open to every one who wants to use it.

While they make a profit and take custom away from other stores all will be fine.

MimiJane

Premier wrote:

So as long as only 1 or 2 shoplifters visit Tesco they'll turn a blind eye will they?

It's only when eveyone goes there and takes stuff without paying will they actually decide to take action?

Who mentioned shoplifters?? We're talking about blatant abuse of codes here ... codes that they issue and which they know are published. Tesco know exactly what's going on here ... that's my point! I totally agree with the original OP here ... let's all be sensible and we can (hopefully) continue to enjoy this priviledge!