Southern California police department warns shoppers of gift card scam

As the holidays approach, a Southern California police department is warning shoppers to be on the lookout for a gift card fund-draining scam.

“Fraudsters are tampering with gift cards on store racks, stealing the card details, and draining the funds before the rightful owner can use them,” the Anaheim Police Department posted on its Instagram page Wednesday.

Police also explained exactly how criminals are draining the gift cards:

• Criminals steal inactivated gift cards from the store racks
• They tamper with the packaging to reveal the card number and PIN code
• The card is resealed and returned to the rack, hiding evidence of tampering
• A consumer purchases and activates the gift card at checkout, loading it with funds
• The fraudster monitors the card balance and takes the funds as soon as they’re added
• Victims are left with depleted gift card balances, unaware their card was compromised

How to prevent being victimized

Shoppers should inspect the packaging for scratches, cuts or scuff marks on the card or packaging and make sure the entire card is in the packaging and not tampered with.

When purchasing the card, shoppers should feel the packaging for the full-sized card inside or, with the store’s permission, inspect the card before buying it. 

After your purchase, police say to keep the receipt as proof of purchase and if you suspect tampering, report it to the gift card company immediately and request the funds be frozen or refunded. 

“Let’s keep the holidays merry and scam-free! Share this post to spread the word. 🎄✨” the Police Department stated.

As the holidays approach, a Southern California police department is warning shoppers to be on the lookout for a gift card fund-draining scam. “Fraudsters are tampering with gift cards on store racks, stealing the card details, and draining the funds before the rightful owner can use them,” the Anaheim Police Department posted on its Instagram […]