“5 Sneaky Gift Card Tricks to Watch Out for This Holiday Season”

By | December 3, 2023

SEE AMAZON.COM DEALS FOR TODAY

SHOP NOW

Fox News reports that there are five gift card tricks targeting consumers this holiday season. The tricks include phishing scams, fraudulent websites, fake customer service calls, tampered gift cards, and gift card theft. Consumers are advised to be cautious and verify the legitimacy of gift card purchases.

RELATED STORY.

You may also like to watch: Is US-NATO Prepared For A Potential Nuclear War With Russia - China And North Korea?

The holiday season is a time for giving and spreading joy, but unfortunately, it’s also a time when scammers come out in full force. One popular scam method that has been targeting unsuspecting individuals is through gift cards. Gift cards may seem like a safe and convenient option for holiday presents, but scammers have found clever ways to exploit them. Here are five gift card tricks that you should be aware of this holiday season.

1. Fake gift cards: Scammers have become adept at creating counterfeit gift cards that look just like the real ones. They may offer these fake cards at a discounted price or as part of a special promotion. However, once you purchase and try to use the card, you’ll find that it holds no value. Always buy gift cards from reputable sources to avoid falling victim to this scam.

2. Activation code theft: Some scammers will visit stores and discreetly write down the activation codes of gift cards on display. They will then wait for the cards to be purchased and activated. Once this happens, they will use the stolen activation codes to drain the funds from the cards. To protect yourself, always check the packaging of gift cards for signs of tampering and choose cards that are kept behind the counter.

3. Phishing emails: Scammers often send out phishing emails pretending to be from popular retailers, offering gift cards as prizes or rewards. These emails will usually contain links that lead to fake websites designed to steal your personal information. Never click on suspicious links or provide personal information in response to unsolicited emails. Instead, visit the retailer’s official website directly to check if the offer is legitimate.

4. Gift card reselling: Online marketplaces have made it easy for scammers to resell gift cards that have been obtained fraudulently. They may sell these cards at a slightly discounted price, making it seem like a great deal. However, the cards may be stolen, counterfeit, or have no funds remaining. It’s best to purchase gift cards directly from the retailer or authorized sellers to ensure their legitimacy.

5. Social media scams: Scammers often use social media platforms to advertise gift card giveaways or contests. They may ask you to like, share, or comment on their posts to enter. These scams are designed to collect personal information or gain access to your social media accounts. Be cautious of such offers and only participate in giveaways hosted by verified and reputable sources.

To protect yourself from falling victim to these gift card tricks, it’s important to be vigilant and exercise caution. Only purchase gift cards from trusted sources, avoid sharing personal information online, and be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true. By staying informed and alert, you can enjoy a safe and scam-free holiday season..

Source

@FoxNews said 5 gift card tricks targeting you this holiday season trib.al/EJIRt0N