Original article: WMUR, updated 7:56pm EDT Jul 16,2024: Tim Callery news reporter
While consumers can fall victim to a variety of scams, experts say gift card draining was one of the most common scams that affected people’s lives in 2023.
MANCHESTER, N.H. —
Police in New Hampshire are warning consumers about a scam using gift cards that’s targeting people across the country. Investigators said the crime is so quick and unexpected that it’s catching thousands of victims. “It’s very sophisticated for that level of efficiency to be taking place,” said Concord Det. Steven Carter. Carter said scammers use gift cards to steal from their victims. “It all starts in a retail store,” Carter said. “The suspects will go into the store and remove hundreds of gift cards off the shelves.”From there, Carter said, the cards are mailed to other conspirators who work meticulously to un-package the gift cards in order to access information.
“They’ll take the PIN code off. They’ll record the card number, the PIN code,” he said. “Then, the cards get sent back into different people’s hands, where they will sneak them back onto the shelves to make them look as if they’re new and never been touched.”
That sets the trap for an unsuspecting shopper. Carter said the scammers are monitoring the gift cards for when funds are added, and when that happens, they pounce.”Minutes after money is put on those cards, the funds are being spent,” Carter said. That leaves the consumer with a useless gift card.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO:
To protect yourself ensure that gift cards come with a protective seal and that tape covers the PIN.
Buy gift cards from a locked case or from behind a counter
Use the card quickly
Be wary of purchasing online from online gift card exchanges and only buy from reputable retailers
If you are the victim of card draining tell the FBI: its internet crimes website is IC3.gov.
Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report makes a difference and helps #stopscams.
For a list of popular gift card companies and how to report theft to them, visit this link provided by the FTC.
