Beware of Gift Card Scams: How Thieves are Draining Balances

Consumers are being warned about a "card draining" scam that is affecting gift card purchases at major retailers like Target. Victims have reported zero balances on their gift cards, with scammers gaining access to the card's information. One method involves stealing the card codes by carefully opening and resealing the envelopes. Another tactic includes impersonating friends or loved ones to urgently request money. The Better Business Bureau has seen a 50% increase in gift card fraud reports this year. Consumers are advised to photocopy gift cards, keep receipts, and be persistent in resolving fraudulent charges.