Starbucks quietly fights fake online coupons
Internet trolls hoping to stoke controversy have been circulating fake coupons ‘for people of color.’ The coffee chain confirmed the offer was illegitimate but offered little else in response.
After a widely lauded crisis response to a racial incident in a Philadelphia location, Starbucks is dealing with the PR scourge of the modern era: fake news.
The coffee chain announced it would close thousands of its stores for a day of racial sensitivity training after two black men were arrested, an incident that ignited a crisis for the brand. Now, internet trolls are hoping to stir the pot with fake coupons for Starbucks customers of color.
One coupon says — “We’re sorry… We know we can do better. Starbucks values all people and we are working on employee sensitivity training.”
At the bottom it says one free beverage, and near the bar code, it says “people of color only.”
There are other versions of the freebie popping up as well.
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