The Tarrant County District Attorney is sounding the alarm on a spike in gift card scams this holiday season. As consumers rush to stock up on these convenient presents, fraudsters are zeroing in on the popular shopping choice, pilfering funds from cards while they still hang from store racks. "Criminals know gift cards are popular during the holiday season, and they are taking advantage of that," District Attorney Phil Sorrells warned, as per the City of Arlington.
Before putting a dent in their wallets, some tips for shoppers include sticking with gift cards kept behind the counter or in locked displays, according to the District Attorney's counsel. Inspecting the package for evidence of tampering is crucial, bought and activated by the victims, before fraudsters siphon off the value.
Following a few more steps could secure your purchase. It's important to verify that the card's serial number matches what's on the packaging or receipt. Another wise move is to ask the cashier to confirm that the card is activated at the checkout. Once at home, registering the card online, frequent balance checks post-purchase, and keeping your PIN private are further layers of defense.
Never underestimate the importance of hanging onto receipts, as they could be your golden ticket to resolving issues. A new Texas law, as of September 1, means tampering with or fraudulently using gift cards can lead to a range of punishments, from a state jail felony up to a first-degree felony, with potential life sentences for the most egregious cases. "Scammers are counting on shoppers to be distracted," Sorrells said, per the City of Arlington. A report can be filed with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov if fraud is suspected.
