Shanghai and Beijing McDonald's restaurants are being flooded with fake free-meal coupons that are being distributed over the Internet.

The fake McDonald's e-coupon was maily distributed via e-mails. The cyber frauds offer a free set meal for each meal purchased. McDonald's is providing e-coupons, but only for free ice cream cones. The company is now directing customers to its Website for the real thing.

"This is the first online forgery I've ever encountered," said a disappointed customer surnamed Guo. "Many of my friends also got them."

The real e-coupon on McDonald's website just offers free ice cream for each set meal purchased. [McDonald's website]

The fake coupons have been passed around the city of Shanghai by e-mail since Tuesday. Through yesterday, McDonald's Shanghai headquarters has received 60 calls about the coupon.

The McDonald's in CITIC Square on Nanjing Road W. received about 10 puzzled customers on Wednesday afternoon alone.

"The situation has been going on for two days, but the total number of affected customers is unknown," said a deputy manager surnamed Chen.

Some customers holding the forged coupons have argued with restaurant workers. After hearing an explanation, most accepted the store's apologies. "Most customers have been considerate," said Zhu Hong, McDonald's Shanghai public relations director.

Since the forgery was conducted online, officials say it is difficult to discover the source. "If this continues, our company will appeal to the law for protection," Zhu said.

Source: Shanghai Daily