LISTEN: Avoid Giving Empty Gift Cards

GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ)– It’s more than a 51 billion dollar industry, and a common Christmas gift, but even Gift Cards are not safe from scams. Scam artists are stealing gift cards, and they are doing it without even leaving the store with them. “Scam artists may obtain all the information they need from gift cards racks that are in the middle of the store, and are usually unmonitored.” Michelle Reinen, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection says all the crooks need is the card number, pin number, and the card is as good as theirs once you put your money on the card. “They could either photograph the back of the card or just write the numbers down.” Reinen says before you buy a gift card, check it over to make sure nothing was removed or scratched off. “If you can see everything, then you know something is not right.” Reinen says always ask for an activation receipt when you purchase your gift card. “That way you have verification that you have activated that gift card.” If you receive a gift card, Reinen says it is best to use it as soon as possible, and find out when it was purchased, incase the card depreciates value in time.