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Gift Card Scam

All articles tagged with #gift card scam

technology1 month ago

Apple Locks Out Users Over Gift Card Scams and Account Security

Long-time Apple developer Dr. Paris Buttfield-Addison was blocked from his Apple ID after attempting to redeem a potentially compromised $500 gift card, resulting in loss of access to his personal files, software, and digital identity. Despite efforts to resolve the issue, Apple has offered little assistance, raising concerns about account bans, digital ownership, and automated support systems. Buttfield-Addison considers switching to alternative platforms due to the unresolved situation.

via theregister.com|
#account-suspension#apple#customer-support
crime1 year ago

"Arrested: California Duo Charged in Chinese Organized Crime Gift Card Scheme"

Two individuals from California were arrested in Plano for their involvement in a fraudulent gift card scheme, known as "gift card draining," which targeted several North Texas stores. The scam involved obtaining unpurchased gift cards from service kiosks, extracting the card numbers and PIN codes, resealing the cards, and placing them back on the shelves for unsuspecting customers to purchase. The scammers would then drain the prepaid cards of their value. Plano police, in collaboration with the Secret Service and ICE, seized 4,100 tampered Apple gift cards valued at $649,000 in connection to the scheme. Consumers are urged to be vigilant when purchasing gift cards and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

via FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth|
#california-duo#crime#fraudulent-scheme
consumer-protection2 years ago

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.

via Fox News|
#consumer-awareness#consumer-protection#fraud
consumer2 years ago

Beware of Gift Card Scam: Thieves Drain Balances, Leaving Shoppers Empty-Handed

Police departments and the Better Business Bureau are warning shoppers about a new scam involving gift cards, where scammers place their own barcodes on top of legitimate ones. Once the victim loads money onto the card and activates it, the scammers drain the account, leaving the recipient with nothing. Target acknowledges the prevalence of gift card scams and encourages vigilance among its team members. Shoppers are advised to visually inspect gift cards for any signs of tampering or additional stickers.

via CBS News|
#better-business-bureau#consumer#gift-card-scam
crime2 years ago

Nationwide Gift Card Scam: Arrests Made as Authorities Issue Warnings

Two women have been arrested in Braintree, Massachusetts, in connection with a nationwide gift card scam ring. The women were caught removing gift cards from a CVS store and were found in possession of nearly 5,000 stolen gift cards from brands like Apple, Nike, Sephora, and Visa. The scam involves criminals logging the card numbers, bar codes, and PINs, repackaging the cards, and placing them back on store shelves. Unsuspecting customers who purchase these compromised gift cards may have their funds spent online by the scammers. Braintree police are urging caution and have not yet received any reports from victims.

via Boston 25 News|
#arrest#crime#gift-card-scam
crime2 years ago

Beware of Gift Card Scammers: Police Crack Down on Tampered Cards and Card Draining

A man named Ningning Sun was arrested by the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office for a gift card scam involving over 50 Target stores across California. Sun was found with 200 tampered Target gift cards on his person and over 5,000 more in his car. He would place gift cards inside his jacket at Target stores and replace them with altered ones, potentially sending the money to China within seconds if used. Authorities advise shoppers to be cautious of tampering signs on gift cards and to ask for cards behind the counter instead of at kiosks.

via KMPH Fox 26|
#crime#gift-card-scam#sacramento-county-sheriffs-office
consumer-protection2 years ago

Beware of Holiday Gift Card Scams: Protect Your Money and Avoid Becoming a Victim

Shoppers in California are falling victim to an innovative gift card scam this holiday season, where scammers tamper with gift cards by cutting off the part needed to spend the money while leaving the barcode intact. When unsuspecting shoppers purchase and load money onto these tampered gift cards, they later discover that the cards are useless and the money is in the hands of scammers. To avoid becoming a victim, the Pinole Police Department advises shoppers to inspect gift card envelopes at checkout to ensure they haven't been tampered with.

via KABC-TV|
#consumer-protection#gift-card-scam#holiday-shopping
crime2 years ago

Beware of Gift Card Scams: Protect Yourself During the Holidays

The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office has issued a warning about a sophisticated gift card scam with national and international implications. During a recent anti-retail theft operation, a Chinese national was arrested for possessing thousands of stolen Target and Apple gift cards. The suspect would remove the bar code glue, record the PINs, and then reseal the cards before returning them to store shelves. Unsuspecting shoppers would purchase the tampered cards, loading funds onto them, only for the money to be immediately transferred to an offshore account, likely in China. The sheriff's office is urging caution when purchasing physical gift cards and asking the public for any tips related to the case.

via Fox Business|
#chinese-national#crime#fraud
crime2 years ago

Beware of Sneaky Gift Card Scam Targeting California Retailers and Shoppers

A gift card scam affecting retailers and shoppers in California has been uncovered during a recent retail theft crackdown. Thieves are tampering with gift cards by replacing the barcodes and then placing them back on the racks for unsuspecting shoppers. When the customer tries to use the card, the funds are transferred to the scammers' card instead. Authorities have recovered over 5,700 tampered gift cards, potentially resulting in a loss of $2.86 million. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to inspect gift cards for signs of tampering and keep their purchase receipts as a precaution.

via KTLA Los Angeles|
#california#consumer-protection#crime