For the 12th year in a row, the top item people would like to receive most this holiday season..is a gift card, according to the National Retail Federation. If you are one of the shoppers that chooses to gift gift cards for loved ones and friends, make sure there’s no way for you or anyone to get scammed.
Here’s a few tips to remember from the Better Business Bureau:
- Examine the gift card. Make sure the pin is not exposed. Scammers are known to remove gift cards from the store rack, record numbers then put it back on the rack. Usually towards the front of the store where it will be picked up first.
- Do your research. Double check terms and conditions, as well as expiration dates and extra fees.
- Register your gift card, this will make it easier to keep track of issues occurring.
- Treat it like cash.
- Use caution when buying from a third party, if you purchase a gift card at an auction or third-party website, double check the gift card has not been tampered.
And just remember to never pay someone in gift cards. Experts say scammers use scare tactics to get someone to pay immediately with a gift card.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, in the first 9 months of 2018, there have already been 53 million dollars lost where gift card payments were involved.
For more information on how to shop safe this holiday season, you can find that here: BBB Holiday Tips.
