Consumers of Gift Cards Can Be Targeted by scams
Understand • Avoid • Report
Tampering scams
Tampering scams occur when the scammer tampers with the packaging of gift cards that are displayed in stores for sale, steals the card numbers from the gift card, and then uses the numbers to drain funds from the cards when they are bought by a consumer and activated. Consumers can fight back by understanding the scam, avoiding the scam and reporting the scam.
Understand tampering scams
Open rack access + Capture
- Scammers target gift cards on open racks (and away from employee surveillance).
- Scammers capture card activation codes and/or PIN codes (this can be from manipulation of the packaging or from codes not properly concealed).
- Scammers use automated scripts or monitoring tools and drain the card quickly when purchased and activated in the store.
Code Swapping
- Scammers target gift cards on open wracks (and away from employee surveillance).
- Scammers target gift cards with open or easily accessible card activation codes and/or PIN codes.
- Scammers place a sticker or overlay on the codes so the store scans a different card number at activation.
- Consumer pays, but the value is loaded onto the scammer’s digital code.
Package Manipulation
- Scammers target gift cards on open racks (and away from employee surveillance).
- Scammers steal gift cards from the store.
- Scammers remove the packaging to get access to and steal the activation code and/or PIN codes.
- Scammers replace the packaging on the gift cards and return them to the open racks in the store from where they were stolen.
- Scammers use automated scripts or monitoring tools and drain the card quickly when purchased and activated in the store.
avoid tampering scams
Check Gift Card for loose or damaged packaging.
Check Gift Card for Misalignment or inconsistency of printed text.
Check Gift Card for missing, exposed or replaced PIN scratch covers.
Check for Gift cards not fully flush in the packaging.
Only purchase Gift cards where the PIN code is covered by a scratch pad or concealed in package.
Purchase Physical Gift cards kept behind a counter or in a locked display.
Purchase gift cards online.
Check your receipt for an activation confirmation.
Check your balance immediately upon purchase.
For more about gift card scams visit:
RGCA Consumer Center • FTC Consumer Advice • AARP Fraud Network