Digital News Report – A new gift card scam is going around, which will very likely change the way that stores sell gift cards to their customers. At the checkout there is often an assortment of gift cards that can be purchased. The problem is that some scam artists are scanning the card to get the account number and then as soon as someone purchases and activates it they go shopping and use up the balance before the rightful recipient gets a chance to do so themselves.
Some of the cards have a PIN number and it should be hidden under a scratch off coating. The scammer may have scratched this off to get the PIN number. So if you do purchase a gift card at the store, make sure that the PIN number is not exposed. If the card looks like it has been messed around with or any PIN number is exposed, do not buy it.
The scammer would also scan the card or write down the account number. They would very likely use the gift card online to go shopping.
You may have a way to get the money back. Because stores may replace the lost or stolen gift card. But you have to make sure to save the receipt so the store can know that you are the rightful owner.
Another option is to buy digital gift certificates or e-certificates online. The gift certificate code is emailed to the recipients email address. When buying gift card e-certificates make sure you are buying the certificate code from the store’s online website.
By: Greg Cook
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