Take precautions to avoid
gift card fraud
Gift
cards are a convenient way to give your friends and loved ones "just the
right thing" at holiday time. They also give thieves an opportunity to
make off with your money, according to a public service announcement issued by
the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
How
can you protect yourself from gift card scams? Here are pointers.
•
Buy directly from reputable stores. If you're getting a restaurant gift card,
stop by the restaurant in person or visit their web site. That goes for
airlines and big box stores too.
•
Check reviews of sellers of gift cards in online auctions. There's a reason
someone's selling the card at a discounted price – it may be stolen or
counterfeit. Are you willing to take the risk?
•
Examine the card. Before purchasing a gift card, inspect the front and back for
tampering. Some cards have PIN codes that must be exposed before use. Make sure
the PIN is still hidden.
•
Register the card. Some issuers let you register the card at the store's web
site. By registering, you'll be able to check your balance on a regular basis
and identify any misuse.
No comments:
Post a Comment