Brigette Honaker  |  December 15, 2020

Category: Gift Cards

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Beware a Target gift card scam.

A Target gift card scam could result in consumers purchasing iTunes gift cards with numbers that have already been stolen by fraudsters.

How Does A Gift Card Scam Work?

Gift card scams can occur in a variety of ways. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), some scammers may try to steal money from consumers by deceiving them into paying for things with gift cards. These scams work because, like cash, consumers cannot recover their money after a scammer steals it through gift cards. And unlike credit card transactions, funds on gift cards cannot be contested and recovered.

Scammers may pose as tech support, family members, auction sites, servicemembers, or other individuals asking for money. The FTC warns that “[a]nyone who demands payment by gift card is always a scammer.”

In some cases, the scammers may stay on the phone until their intended victim goes to the store and purchases gift cards. The criminals then demand the gift card number and PIN. Once this information is collected, scammers vanish without a trace – sometimes taking thousands of dollars from consumers in the process.

Although these schemes rely on scammers actively deceiving consumers, other scams rely on stealing gift card numbers before consumers purchase them.

In a store, fraudsters scratch the film strip off the backs of gift cards in order to gain access to the gift card’s PIN and other special numbers. After this information is recorded, the fraudsters replace the film strip with a replacement – unfortunately easy to obtain from online retailers such as Amazon.

This information is then entered into a computer program that periodically checks a retailer’s website to see if the gift card has been purchased. Later, after a consumer has purchased the gift card and loaded money onto it, scammers use the funds before the buyer or recipient has the chance.

This can be embarrassing and upsetting for consumers who give or receive gift cards and are surprised to find there are no funds on the card. In an AARP survey, one in three respondents revealed that they had been either the buyer or the recipient in just this situation.

How Can You Avoid a Gift Card Scam?

There are several tips that consumers can follow to protect themselves from gift card scams, including:

  • Buy gift cards from online retailers. By purchasing the gift cards directly from a retailer or another company online, consumers avoid the risk that criminals have had access to the cards. This is an especially good idea if consumers are purchasing high-value gift cards.
  • Don’t buy cards in-store, which can easily be tampered with. If you have to purchase a gift card in person, don’t purchase cards that are out of view of employees or security cameras. Ask for gift cards stored behind a counter or in tamper-proof packaging to be sure your new purchase isn’t tampered with.
  • Look for signs of tampering. Inspect the security strip and other parts of the gift card. If the gift card looks suspicious, let a store employee know and purchase a more secure card.
  • Use gift cards as soon as possible and always change the security code. After purchasing or receiving one as a gift, make sure to register the card and change the PIN as soon as possible. Then, quickly use the card to avoid the chance of your balance being stolen.

Unfortunately, gift card scams may still happen and unsuspecting consumers will be victimized. Luckily, there are options. Consumers can report instances of gift card fraud to the FTC on its fraud reporting website portal. Additionally, consumers may be able to take legal action.

Beware a Target gift card scam.What Is Target’s Gift Card Scam Policy?

Target sells numerous third-party vendor gift cards such as iTunes, Visa, and more. Unfortunately, consumers who purchase these gift cards, or even Target gift cards, may find themselves the victim of gift card fraud.

“We are aware of the prevalence of scams like these and take them very seriously,” Target Spokeswoman Danielle Schumann told AARP. “We have signage in our stores and share general safety tips with our team members through training, so they can stay alert and help guests as best as they can at our registers.”

Were You the Victim of a Gift Card Scam?

If you were the victim of a gift card scam after purchasing iTunes gift cards at Target, you may be eligible for a new attorney-led investigation. Lawyers are investigating whether Target is selling iTunes gift cards without anti-fraud measures, including protective packaging. Without protective packaging, scammers may be able to easily access gift cards and then steal the information and replace the security strip before unsuspecting consumers purchase them.

Get a Free Target iTunes Gift Card Scam Case Evaluation

If you purchased an iTunes gift card from a Target store and discovered that it was already used or deactivated before you or your loved one had a chance to use it, you may be a victim of this Target iTunes gift card scam.

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4 thoughts onHow Can you Avoid a Target Gift Card Scam?

  1. Donnie Wayne Whitten says:

    I am 73 yrs old and not very wise. I fell for this gift card scam on 4/10/2023. I received an email saying my subscription to GEEK SQUAD was going to be automatically renewed for 3 yrs for almost $400.00. There was a number at the bottom to call if a person had any questions. So I called the number in an effort to cancel the subscription. The number was answered and I was passed on to an individual who said he could help me with the cancellation. I had to go on the computer and answer a few questions, then enter the amount I was due refunded. However, when I typed in $400.00, the amount got immediately changed to $4,000.00, supposedly already in my bank account, and he wanted the money back now! I told him to take it back, since he put it in there. He said the only way he could get the money back was for me to purchase 4 Target gift cards at $500.00 each. The most I could get was 2 cards. He got mad and took my computer hostage, so I could not use it. Took money from my checking and savings accounts, so I could not control my banking. I had a lot of overdrafts, so the credit union started taking money from my daughter’s banking accounts to cover my overdrafts, which drained all her accounts. Top make a story short he caused serious damage to more than just me. I am sure God has the darkest, hottest most tormenting place in Hell for people that do this to others.

  2. Jane Bernal says:

    Add me

  3. sharon kelley says:

    i am a senior citizen and fell for the line that my norton subscription was going to be charged on my account , well my mind new better but i had just come back from a funeral out state and anyway the man told me to purchase 3 target gift cards for $500 each and 4 google play for $100 each this amount came about when i had problems typing what they wanted me to therefore they tookout $1900 out of checking account next day they said cards werenot activated and needed to buy more i said NO so i did report this to local police dept ,my bank and FTC

  4. Talitha Frazier says:

    Add me

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