Warning to holiday shoppers: Beware of store-bought gift cards – NBC Bay Area

Oct 17, 2024

Authorities once again are warning holiday shoppers to beware of store-bought gift cards, as they are prime targets for scammers.

In a news release Oct. 16, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office warned shoppers to think twice about buying gift cards off store shelves, saying organized criminals steal the cards, tamper with them and put the doctored cards back on the rack.

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After someone buys a tampered gift card and loads it with funds, the criminals are able to then deplete the funds, authorities say. A short video public service announcement with additional details was provided by the Santa Clara County DA's Office.

Americans spend about $230 billion on gift card purchases each year, according to the DA.

"Please be cautious about buying gift cards from stands or shelves at stores," District Attorney Jeff Rosen said in the release. "You could inadvertently be giving a thief a gift this holiday season."

Here are ways consumers can protect themselves if they intend to buy gift cards: