CALGARY – Gift cards may be plastic but these days they’re just like cash or credit cards and thieves have figured that out.
Gift card theft and fraud is growing and consumers should take extra precautions.
First of all, keep the receipt that comes with the card. It contains the card number and RCMP say you can often get a replacement if it’s lost or stolen.
Retailers can track their gift cards or cancel them. Now-a-days a lot of them have a database where they can keep these card numbers and assist you if you do lose your gift card and not just when it’s stolen,” said Constable Matthew Gervais with Airdrie RCMP.
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In fact, a homeowner in Airdrie did just that after her gift cards were taken in a break-in.
She called the stores that issued the cards, found out where they had already been used, and phoned police.
Investigators accessed store surveillance video and RCMP are looking for two suspects.
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Some consumers are tempted to buy cards sold on Kijiji at discounted prices but there’s no guarantee the card is legitimate.
If it was purchased with a stolen credit card and the retailer catches it, they will cancel the gift card.
“At the time you purchased the card, there may be 200 dollars on the card however by the time you get home you may be looking at a zero balance,” said Constable Andrew Critchley with the Calgary Police.
You also have to watch for gift card tampering.
When you buy a gift card off the rack in a store, check the back of card to see if pin number is visible.
Thieves scratch the security seal over the pin box, record the card and pin number and replace it.
They can find out when it’s activated and use it to buy products online and drain the value before you use it.
Police say gift cards are a multi-million dollar business and it’s time to take them more seriously.
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