Gift card scams are on the rise, and police are warning shoppers that a newer method can impact anyone, not just residents of a specific area.
According to Takoma Park Police, criminals are increasingly targeting gift cards before they’re ever purchased. In this scheme, scammers buy gift cards, carefully open the packaging, steal the card numbers, and then reseal the cards before returning them to store shelves. When an unsuspecting customer later buys the card and loads money onto it, the funds are quickly drained by the scammer.
Police say the tampering can be difficult to spot at first glance, which is why consumers are being urged to take extra precautions when buying gift cards, especially during the holiday season. Shoppers are advised to closely inspect gift card packaging before purchasing. Scammers often use heat to open and reseal packaging, which can leave subtle signs such as wrinkles, discoloration, or uneven adhesive.
Consumers should also feel the card through the packaging to make sure it feels intact and secure. A loose card or flimsy packaging may indicate tampering. If possible, shoppers are encouraged to ask a store employee to show the card before purchase. Retailers are generally willing to help confirm that a card hasn’t been compromised.
After buying a gift card, police recommend checking the balance immediately, either online or by calling the number on the back of the card. Any missing funds or suspicious activity should be reported right away to both the retailer and the card issuer. Police also caution consumers to be wary of requests for payment using gift cards or promotions that seem too good to be true, as these are common tactics used by scammers.
Anyone who believes they’ve purchased a tampered gift card or fallen victim to a gift card scam is urged to report the incident immediately to local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). By staying alert and taking a few extra moments at the store, consumers can reduce their risk of becoming the next victim of this growing scam.
