How to Avoid Gift Card Scams This Holiday Season
Did you buy any gift cards for the holidays? Next time you buy one, take caution! Scammers are stealing numbers and PINs from gift cards before you even purchase them. They don’t need the physical card to access the funds you load onto it.
Scammers might remove the protective stickers or scratch off the numbers on the back, allowing them to steal the card’s information. Once they have the PIN and card number, they can access the funds you load without physically having the card. They simply wait until you add money to it.
To protect yourself when buying gift cards this holiday season:
Inspect for tampering: Look for any signs of damage, such as scratched areas or missing stickers. If you notice any issues, report it to the cashier or store manager. If you spot tampered cards at one store, try a different location, as scammers might target batches of cards.
Use a credit card: If possible, pay with a credit card. Credit cards offer the best protection, and if you encounter any issues, your card issuer can investigate and potentially refund your money.
Save your receipts and card numbers: Keep a copy of both the gift card and store receipt. This information will be crucial if the card doesn’t work or has no balance. Report any issues as soon as possible to the gift card company or the FTC.
If you encounter a gift card scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For more information about this and other gift card scams, visit ftc.gov/giftcards.
Go back to news feed.
Facebook
Instagram