Don’t let scammers drain your holiday gift cards

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National Cybersecurity Alliance

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Dec 17, 2025, 11:08:43 AM (9 days ago) Dec 17
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AVOID GIFT CARD SCAMS

Gift cards are one of the most popular holiday gifts, but scammers are increasingly targeting them before you even hand them over. Gift card draining scams involve stealing or copying the card’s information before or after purchase, then emptying the balance before the recipient even uses it.

 

What to know:

  1. Scammers target gift card codes before you buy
    Thieves may tamper with cards on store shelves by photographing or recording the numbers and PINs or swapping them with fake cards, so by the time you buy and activate the card, they can drain the funds.

  2. Inspect and choose gift cards wisely
    Check cards and packaging for signs of tampering (like peeled stickers or damaged seals). Buying cards from behind the counter or opting for digital versions from reputable sources can reduce risk.

  3. Use gift cards quickly and monitor balances
    Encourage recipients to spend the card soon after receiving it. Keep receipts and periodically check the balance online until it’s fully spent. This helps catch fraud early and may assist with reimbursement if needed.

Events & Programs

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