Could several people use the same voucher or code?¶

Yes. Several people may access, share or attempt to use the same voucher or gift-card code.

Avoid the dangerous assumption¶

The dangerous assumption is that a code appearing on one device or account was available only to that user.

A code can be copied, forwarded, photographed, printed, saved in shared cloud storage or posted in a group conversation.

Some vouchers allow partial redemption, leaving value for later use by the same or another person.

Others are single-use, but several people may still attempt redemption before one succeeds. Those attempts may generate separate provider or merchant records.

Relevant provider records may include balance enquiries, failed attempts, successful redemptions, accounts, devices, IP addresses, merchants, orders and timestamps.

Preserve every known copy of the code and the context in which it appeared.

Ask the issuer whether the code was transferable, reusable, partially redeemable or linked to a specific account.

Obtain the complete redemption and attempt history rather than only the successful use.

Do not assume that the earliest person found with the code created or purchased it.

Likewise, the person who successfully redeemed it may have received it from someone else.

Communications may show sharing, sale, instructions or knowledge.

Where several redemptions occurred, map the value remaining after each event.

When reporting, distinguish access to the code, attempted use, successful redemption and receipt of goods or services.

Operational takeaway¶

Assume a voucher code may have been copied or shared and use provider attempt, redemption, account and communication records to identify each user and movement of value.