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credit union, holiday, scams, fraud
Home / News & Financial Education / Stay Safe from Gift Card Scams This Holiday Season
Stay Safe from Gift Card Scams This Holiday SeasonBy merrimack on 11/1/2024

Stay Safe from Gift Card Scams This Holiday Season

As the holidays approach, gift cards remain a popular gift option, but they’re also a target for scammers. These fraudsters use tactics like phishing and tampering with physical gift cards to steal funds before they can be used. To protect yourself and your loved ones this season, it’s important to stay aware of these risks.

How Scams Happen

Scammers often contact victims through phone calls, texts, or emails, requesting gift card payments for fake emergencies. Once they have the card’s number and PIN, they quickly drain the funds. Some even tamper with physical cards in stores, making it possible to steal the balance after the purchase.

How to Stay Safe

  • Be cautious of anyone asking for gift card payments.
  • Purchase electronic gift cards from reputable sources to avoid tampered cards.
  • Inspect physical gift cards for signs of tampering, such as exposed PINs.
  • Keep your receipt and take photos of the gift card for records.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you’ve been scammed, take action right away:

  • Contact the gift card issuer to report the fraud and request a cancellation.
  • Notify your bank if you used a credit or debit card to purchase the gift card and ask about dispute options.
  • Report the incident to local authorities if the scam involves significant loss.

Stay informed this holiday season and help prevent gift card fraud from impacting your celebrations! Think you’ve been targeted by a scam? Contact our support team.

Contact us

 

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