Wildcard: Buying a gift card? Caveat emptor!!

[Wildcard]

I posted a comment on BJ21 about the scammers ripping people off who have purchased gift cards.

The crux of the issue is that in some instances, the scammer copies the gift card number from cards on the racks in retail stores. They then place the gift cards back on the racks. A few days later they go online and use the gift card numbers to make purchases. They drain the gift card amount, and your recipient who tries to use the card finds that the balance is zero or close to it.

Be sure any card you might purchase has the card number covered (like a scratch off ticket), or is offered in such a fashion as to not expose the card number.

[Bettie]

There are many other ways that they rip off gift cards as well as several ways to protect yourself. Very thorough information can be found at the link below. If you only read one part, read the stuff about ways to protect yourself.

Bettie

Gift card scams