Los Angeles Magzine ✅Alert: Gift card scams are on the rise in Southern California! Scammers are using fake barcodes to drain the value of gift cards before you even use them. Always check your gift cards at purchase!
How it works: Scammers replace the barcode of an unsold gift card with one they control. Once you load money onto it, they steal it. Check for tampering before buying!
Another method scammers use is stealing gift card details, waiting for you to load it, and quickly draining the funds. To avoid this, only buy gift cards from secure locations. #GiftCardSafety #FraudPrevention
LA County Supervisor Hahn experienced this first-hand with a Vanilla Visa gift card. Retailers are urged to take action by improving clerk training and adding warning signs. #StaySafe #HolidayShopping
Tips: Inspect gift card packaging for any signs of tampering and prefer cards kept behind glass cases or at service desks. Don’t let scammers ruin your holiday season!
