Scam Type
Retail Business Scam
Business Name Used
Gift card purchase / 0 balance
Date Reported
July 10, 2024
Postal Code
99201
Total Dollars Lost
$ 250
Scam Description
I was recently a “gift card draining” victim. I’d sometimes thought of gift cards I’ve mailed to loved ones or friends could be physically stolen in the mail, but until last week, I never knew a gift card I purchased could have been “unmasked” by someone before it was ever purchased and loaded, and that money–MY gift money–could be used online by a scammer. Then when my loved one went to use their gift, the card would display a zero balance! In my case, we even know when and where my gift card (for my Virginia-based grand-niece’s graduation) was used, and when (a camera store in Georgia!), and her savvy mom was able to send me photos of her daughter’s failed gift card. Armed with that, since I no longer had my purchase receipt from our local Rosauers, I hit my bank Saturday, since I purchased it with my debit card. As I write, the bank is trying to find out if they can recover my money for me. But, RAISE your awareness, everyone. Gift cards can be damaged before they hit the stores. Then the perpetrators randomly follow up to see if the cards have been loaded by you. Once loaded, they can easily be drained. Frustrating.