Just Because You Can Doesn’t Mean You Should
A reflection on a recent event in our community
Nothing ever truly goes unnoticed—and the consequences of our actions, even online, can be a hard pill to swallow.
I’m writing this as a personal reminder, and to archive my thoughts on what happened recently. Throughout the day, reading about the situation left me disappointed—and reflective.
When a Rewards App Member’s 30% off email code was shared in a Facebook group and then reposted across platforms, it triggered something I didn’t expect to see. The code was intended for select app users, in specific regions, as part of a targeted test—something Bath & Body Works does from time to time.
But when that code was used by others who hadn’t received it—and even more so, when stacked with other offers, including mailer codes purchased or shared—things quickly snowballed. A glitch allowed multiple discounts to stack, resulting in extremely low prices.
Soon, social media was flooded with posts celebrating massive hauls. Screenshots showed dozens of orders placed for Buy Online Pickup In Store (BOPIS) and shipped items. Some customers reported that store employees began questioning receipts. Others mentioned cancellations when stores noticed the price discrepancies. Warehouses were drained. Store stock vanished.
And the justifications rolled in:
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“They’re a billion-dollar company—they can afford it.”
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“They’ve taken from us, now it’s our turn.”
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“They let the code work—so it’s fair game.”
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“Everyone else did it. I only regret not buying more.”
But here’s the truth: Just because something is possible doesn’t mean it’s right.
If you believe your private social groups are unseen—you’re mistaken.
If you think every member is just another shopper—they’re not.
And if you believe there won’t be fallout—there already has been.
We’ll likely all feel it in some form. Tighter restrictions. Fewer codes. Shorter sale windows. Harsher returns or redemption rules. Because actions have impact.
For the record—I didn’t participate. I didn’t know what was happening until I saw it unfold online. And if you ask me why I wouldn’t take part, it’s simple: I don’t want bad karma—not over a candle, not over a water globe, not over anything.
As someone once said to me, “The devil is always two steps behind.”
I’m not trying to invite him closer.