The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is offering some timely reminders to help people spot and avoid potential gift card scams during the holidays.
The following tips are condensed from a sheriff’s office news release, which was accompanied by a more detailed posting:
- Buying gift cards directly from the retailer and online purchases are best. Direct purchases require fewer transfers of funds resulting in more stringent security. Online retailers mail the gift card directly to you, preventing any access to the purchase codes and PIN. In addition, your receipt from the retailer for the gift card has a direct verification to validate your purchase. As a bonus, stores sometimes offer incentives when you purchase a specific amount.
- Never buy gift cards from an auction or community website. Resale sites are often a traffic source for stolen, fraudulent or already used gift cards.
- If purchasing a gift card at a retailer, inspect gift cards for signs of tampering before purchasing or placing a balance on them.
- Keep in mind that gift cards stored near the register and under security camera coverage are less likely to be tampered with.
- Carefully review cards and packaging for signs of tampering or exposure; be mindful of replacement stickers that may cover security codes, and look for scratches to the card beyond the security strip.
- If the PIN is exposed on a gift card, notify a store representative and choose an untampered card.
- Save receipts after the purchase of a gift card
- Treat received gift cards like a debit card: change the security code to something creative, that only you would know.
Published December 14, 2022
