Gift Card Scam Warning: How to Protect Yourself This Holiday Season
PINOLE, Calif. — Police are warning about an innovative gift card scam that’s going around this holiday season.
Shoppers in California Fall Victim to Gift Card Tampering
Shoppers in California recently lost hundreds of dollars to the scam. They bought gift cards without any trouble, but when they got home, they learned the cards had been tampered with.
According to Sgt. Barry Duggan of the Pinole Police Department, scammers have found a way to cut off the part of the gift card needed to spend the money while leaving the part used to load money onto it intact. This means that unsuspecting shoppers end up with useless gift cards and the money they spent on them falls into the hands of scammers they have never met.
How the Gift Card Scam Works
The scam begins when someone takes gift cards from the store without paying for them or loading them up. They carefully open the envelopes and remove the card, cutting off the top part that is used for spending. The barcode, which is necessary for activating and using the gift card, remains on the card.
Protect Yourself from Gift Card Scams
To avoid falling victim to this scam, the Pinole Police Department advises shoppers to take the following precautions:
- Remove the gift card envelopes at the checkout counter and inspect them for any signs of tampering or cutting.
- Open the gift card and ensure that the barcode is intact and not cut off.
- If you notice any suspicious activity or tampering, inform store personnel immediately.
By being vigilant and checking the gift cards before leaving the store, you can protect yourself from falling victim to this scam and ensure that your gift cards are usable.
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