7 TIPS TO AVOID GIFT CARD SCAMS

While gift cards are becoming increasingly popular among consumers for being a versatile present, they also provide opportunites for scammers who may use them in various schemes to steal money.  

Many tactics are used in an effort to exploit consumers, so it is important to be on guard.  Consumers should also be vigilant when purchasing gift cards.

Here are a few tips consumers can use to help avoid gift card scams.

1. Know that no legitimate company or government agency will require payment via gift cards. If someone claims otherwise, it is a scam.
    
2. Never send gift cards in response to a solicitation.
    
3. Never send a gift card to a solicitor claiming a loved one is in trouble.
   solicitation.
    
4. Avoid sharing card numbers or PINs.
    
5. Do not deposit checks received from unknown individuals, especially if they request repayment via gift card.
    
6. Purchase gift cards directly from the card’s merchant, don’t use little-known, third-party sites. 
    
7. Inspect cards before buying in-person — look carefully at the packaging for any tears, wrinkles or other indications of tampering.

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