This California police officer is sharing a gift card scam which is gaining traction around the country. \
Attention holiday shoppers:
Be cautious, as a new gift card scam is circulating. Exercise vigilance when purchasing gift cards, and consider opting for e-gift cards from reputable sources to minimize risks. This scam is widespread, so stay alert.
🔸Details:
Fraudsters don’t purchase the gift cards. They steal the cards and tamper with them, steal the code from the top and return the other half of the card back to the store in the original packaging. It looks like a normal gift card since you see original barcode through the window.
When shoppers go purchase the gift cards, money is loaded on to the actual gift card (fraudsters have the tampered gift card number saved already). Once shopper loads money onto the gift card the fraudster has access to the money, not the purchaser. When they gift it, the gift card funds are already emptied out by then. Always inspect gift cards before purchasing to avoid potential loss. Don’t let fraudsters spoil the joy of giving.