Giftcard thieves..I don't get it.

[Disney1fan2002]

I received this e-mail this morning. I had heard something about giftcards and stealing, but never got the details.

This was the e-mail:
Gift Card Theft!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Crooks have found a way to rob you of your gift card balance. If you buy Gift Cards from a display rack that has various store cards, you may become a victim of theft. Crooks are now jotting down the card numbers in the store and then wait a few days and call to see how much of a balance THEY have on the card. Once they find the card is "activated" and then they go online and start shopping. You may want to purchase your card from a customer service person, where they do NOT have the Gift Cards viewable to the public.

This is apparently true. It appears on Snopes.com And it was on the news.

>>>>>>>Ok, how is this happening? Any giftcard I have ever owned has a scratch off password on the back. I can't get the balance without the password. Are people buy giftcards with the password scratched?


So, now it is time to sell the giftcards behind the counter. If not, make sure the password is still secure.

 

[poohandwendy]

I have always thought they should be behind the counter anyways.

I also do not think the activation # should be on the card at all, it should be produced by the register when you purchase the card. Either the buyer could activate the card, or they could give the activation # to the recipient.

JMHO

 

[pennst8r]

Wow--I just looked that up and you're right!

Altho, some have the number covered where you have to scrape off the silver layer. Still...I guess I should let my kids use those Toys R Us cards from last month's birthdays! I wanted them to wait til after Christmas!

 

[beavismom]

It is really sad how low people will go. Our local news ran this story as well. They did mention that Target has an extra layer of security that you have to have the transaction code for the gift card to work online. Of course, I have never given a transaction code to the recipient before.

 

[rie'smom]

This kind of thing always amazes me. I would never even think to try something like this,heck who even knew it would be possible. Hopefully,it could turn out to be a 'Criminals is stupid' kind of thing if they can trace the addresses where the merchandise is sent w/online orders.

 

[Daxx]

This was a highlight story on our local news tonight.

People must not notice the scratched off passwords when they buy the gift cards. I know that (in the past) when I've picked up gift cards, I've paid for them and stuck them in w/the card w/o thinking about checking out the strip on the back. Guess what I'll be checking from here on in!!!!

Funny thing is that I went to Starbucks to buy some gift cards on Saturday and they didn't have them on display as usual. They were behind the counter and you had to ask for them. I wondered what the deal was, as that's not par for the course at Starbucks. I guess I know why!!!!