Fraud Tip of the Day - December 1
How to Avoid Gift Card Scams
This Holiday season be wary of gift card scams that can turn your thoughtful gift into a costly embarrassment.
- Only purchase gift cards from reputable sources. Better yet, get them directly from the store they're from.
- Don't assume that if a store has gift cards under lock and key it means they haven't been tampered with and their numbers accessed. Carefully examine both sides of the card and look for signs of tampering such as an exposed PIN. If you find anything questionable, ask for another card and check it out, too. Repeat as many times as necessary.
- Online gift card purchases should be made from the website of the retailer they are intended to be used at. Never buy them on auction sites even if it looks like a great deal. Remind yourself that these cards may be stolen or counterfeit.
- Keep your receipt as proof of purchase until the cards value has been exhausted. If you lose the card you may be able to show a casier at the retailer your receipt and have them issue you a new gift card. Not every retailer will do this but many will. It's worth asking.
- Have your cashier scan the card at the time of purchase to ensure that gift card you buy is valid and has the correct balance.
- Remember that no reputable business will require you to provide your social security number, bank account information or date of birth in order to purchase a gift card. Asking for this kind of personal data is unnecessary and has nothing to do with purchasing a gift card. You're not applying for credit.
- Register the gift card if that service is offered.
Remember these tips all year long when your are buying gift cards for graduations, weddings and birthdays because these scams can happen at any time. Don't be afraid to use gift cards. Just make sure you take the time to examine gift cards before you walk away from the cashier. This won't guarantee 100% protection against fraud but it will reduce your chances of getting burned.
