(INDIANAPOLIS) - Shoppers are being urged to stay alert as scammers increasingly target gift cards during the holiday season.
The Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana says criminals are using gift cards as a quick way to steal money from consumers. In one common scam, thieves copy a gift card's code before it is sold, then wait for someone to load money onto the card and drain the balance before it can be used.
Another scam involves placing a fake barcode over the original card, causing any funds added at checkout to be redirected to the scammer's account.
BBB marketing manager Megan White says shoppers should closely inspect gift cards before buying them. She recommends looking for torn or damaged packaging, unusual wrinkles, or exposed PIN numbers, which could indicate tampering.
The BBB also suggests purchasing gift cards directly from the retailer and keeping receipts in case problems arise.