Just as the holidays get into full swing, there's a new scam targeting shoppers.
While gift card giving is on the rise, so are gift card scams.
The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to watch out for the following:
•Digital theft: Scammers create a website and pose as an online retailer. When consumers enter their gift card information to make a purchase, the scammers clean out the balance.
•Physical theft: Thieves visit stores and collect gift card information, then continually check the card number until the card is purchased and activated. They then immediately use up all of the funds.
•Fake or used-up secondhand cards: Scammers post gift cards to online auctions or classified sites and offer discounted prices on counterfeit or already-used cards. It is virtually impossible to tell whether the cards have any value remaining, to determine whether they've been tampered with or to see if they've expired.
They offer some practical tips on shopping for gift cards:
•Purchase straight from the source. Buy cards directly from the issuing store, no matter how much cheaper they may be somewhere else, especially online.
•Examine cards carefully. Thoroughly inspect cards; don't buy them if they have been tampered with or altered.
•Read the terms and conditions. Make sure the recipient won't get hit with transaction or inactivity fees. If you're giving a gift card to a friend who wants to shop online, make sure the card can be used that way and not just in a store.
•Ask cashiers to scan and verify cards. Have gift cards scanned and activated at checkout and ask your cashier to verify the balance before leaving the store.
•Keep the receipts. Many retailers can track where cards are purchased, activated and used. They may be able to replace stolen cards with proper proof of purchase.
