6 sneaky gift card scams to watch out for this holiday season

When it comes to gift cards, it’s important to be aware of the various tricks scammers use to try and take advantage of unsuspecting individuals. With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s more important than ever to stay vigilant and protect yourself from falling victim to these scams.

One common gift card trick to watch out for involves tampering with the cards on display racks at retail stores. Scammers may record the activation code on the card or place a custom barcode sticker over the real barcode, allowing them to steal the cash loaded onto the card. To avoid this scam, always check the packaging of the gift card for any signs of tampering and choose a card from the back of the display rack.

Another sneaky trick scammers use is impersonating someone you know or trust, such as a family member or a company. They may contact you with a fake story or emergency, asking you to buy gift cards and send them the card information. Remember to always verify the identity of the person contacting you and never send money or gift cards to anyone you don’t know or trust.

When buying or selling gift cards online, be cautious of resale scams. Scammers may offer to sell gift cards at a discounted price, only to send you a fake or empty card. Stick to reputable sources when buying or selling gift cards and avoid sharing your personal information with strangers online.

Phishing scams are also prevalent during the holiday season, with scammers sending fake emails or messages claiming to be from legitimate companies. These messages may ask you to provide your gift card information to resolve an issue. Never click on links or provide personal information to unsolicited messages and always verify the legitimacy of the sender.

Loyalty program scams involve scammers pretending to be representatives of a loyalty program, asking you to pay a fee to claim a prize. Be cautious of unsolicited offers and never pay money or fees to receive a prize from a loyalty program.

Lastly, be wary of fake balance checker scams where scammers set up fake websites to steal your gift card information. Always use official websites or apps from reputable retailers to check your gift card balance and never enter your gift card details on unfamiliar websites.

To safely give and receive gift cards, buy them online from reputable sources or directly from the store. Avoid third-party sellers and always use caution when sharing your gift card information. By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself from falling victim to gift card scams and enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.