I just want to let all my " My lot " friends know of the latest scam

I don't know where you are from, but many gift cards here (and especially ones that can also be used online) have an area on the back of them that the customer has to scratch-off which contains a PIN/validation number that must be entered for online purchases, and many cards have the option of changing that PIN once you uncover it (via telephone, etc.). As far as "in-person" purchases, the card-number itself cannot be keyed into the POS system, but instead the cards have a magnetic strip as well as a bar code, so that if the strip doesn't "swipe", a product scanner will pick it up. Again, I don't know what the standard is where you're from, but even some of the smaller retail chains (like the one I used to work for) have security measures in place. (And I actually got to help design our gift card-it's quite an ordeal...even getting people to agree on a colour!)

I just can'y believe that people will go that far to steal from others. If these people have that much time on there hands then they need to get job and make money the honest way. It is so hard to trust any one or any thing.

Where is this happening?

Thanks for the information. I'll remember that when I go buy gift cards in a week or so. I never once thought of that, but then I'm an honest person.

That's just sad and downright pitiful that people are resorting to such measures. Thank you for the heads up!

Thanks for the information, i will be careful.

thanks for the information and the advice. me personally i don't buy gift cards. so that should not be a problem for me.

Some of the real thieves are the people who sell the gift cards. Be sure to check for any fees associated with a gift card. Some cards start charging a non-use fee if you don't use the card right away. Get a $50 gift card and after 3 months, it might only be worth $20.