Massive ‘Used’ Gift Card Scam Worth Estimated $1M Uncovered
Police are warning consumers about a massive gift card scam that could make the holidays anything but merry this year.
While giving gift cards is an easy way to give family and friends exactly what they want for Christmas and other occasions, gift cards that have been compromised are worth nothing to the recipients on your holiday shopping list.
Fraudulent Gift Cards Involving Kroger, Amazon, Target, and Others Uncovered
Police in St. Matthews, Kentucky have busted four men at the center of a crime ring linked to fraudulent gift cards totaling more than $1 million. WLKY reports that the organized crime scheme affected people across the country.
Here's how the gift card scam works:
Thieves are accused of obtaining unactivated gift cards from major retailers and then recording their serial numbers. The cards were then resealed into their original packages and placed back on store shelves or racks. Then, after the cards are purchased and activated, the thieves would allegedly steal the money that was loaded onto the cards.
A Kroger store employee grew suspicious when he saw a man spending an inordinate amount of time in the store's gift card section.
Be Cautious When Purchasing Gift Cards
Police shared tips for consumers with WLKY about buying gift cards from Kroger or other major retailers.
- Inspect the packaging. If a gift card appears to be tampered with, don't buy it.
- Keep the activation code receipt and pass it along to gift card recipients.
- Consider purchasing gift cards directly from the company instead of a rack at a major retailer, or buy gift cards digitally from the company's official website.
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