Avoid Gift Card Scams

Everyone has that hard-to-shop for person on the list, and gift cards make a great option. But gift card scams are very common this time of year.

According to the Better Business Bureau, con artists can get important numbers off of the cards before you have even bought them.

“They can scan the identifying numbers. Then they can go to the website and see when it is activated.” said Carol Odell, the executive director of the BBB in Colorado Springs.

Once it is activated, it is as easy as clicking on the items they want and using your gift card information to purchase it.

There are some important things to remember when buying a gift card to avoid losing what you buy:

-Do not buy gift cards that are on display. Ask for ones that are behind the counter. -Make sure that the packaging has not been tampered with. -Buy the gift cards directly from the retailer. -Use the gift cards as soon as possible to reduce the chances of a con artist discovering your cards’ amount.

Gift cards are a great presents and should still be used, just with caution, Odell said.

“Go a head, don’t be afraid of gift cards, just be prudent when you buy them,” said Odell.