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How to Avoid eGift Card Fraud?

eGift Card fraud is on the rise. The scammers are getting more and more sophisticated each day, so it's very important that you know what to watch out for when buying or sending an eGift Card online.
Forms of eGift Card Fraud & Prevention Measures:
1) Impersonation Scam:
This is the most common type of eGift Card scam. In this scam, the scammers will pretend to be a retailer or customer service representative and ask for the gift card code or PIN number. They may even create a fake website that looks very similar to the retailer's website.
To avoid this scam, always make sure that you are dealing with a legitimate retailer's website. Don't enter your gift card code or PIN number into any website that you are not sure is legitimate.
2) Gift Card Code Theft:
In this scam, the scammers will steal the gift card code and use it to purchase items online.
To avoid this scam, make sure to keep your gift card code safe and don't share it with anyone.
3) Fake Gift Card:
In this scam, the scammers will create a fake gift card and try to sell it to unsuspecting consumers.
To avoid this scam, always make sure that you are buying a gift card from a reputable source. Most reputable sources will only sell gift cards that they themselves own. If you buy a gift card from an unknown source, the likelihood of it being stolen increases significantly.
4) Internal Theft:
In this scam, an employee at a retailer or eGift Card provider will steal gift cards and then try to sell them online to unsuspecting customers.
To avoid this scam, always make sure that you are dealing with a reputable retailer or eGift Card provider. If possible, buy gift cards directly from the retailer and don't use third party websites to buy gift cards. Also, check your gift card balance frequently to ensure that no one is trying to access it without your permission.
5) Social Engineering:
In this scam, the scammers will call or email you and try to convince you that they are a representative of the retailer or eGift Card provider indicating that they have an issue with your gift card. They may ask you for payment information in order to resolve this issue.
To avoid this scam, always make sure that you are dealing with a legitimate representative of the retailer or eGift Card provider before providing any information.
6) Port Scanning:
In this scam, the scammers use software to scan for possible gift card numbers and then try them until they find one that works. Usually, they will ask for confirmation of the gift card number before attempting to use it.
To avoid this scam, never share your gift card number with anyone. Also, make sure to check your gift card balance frequently to ensure that no one is trying to access it without your permission.
7) Phishing:
In this scam, the scammers will create a fake website that's very similar to that of the retailer or eGift Card provider. They will then collect gift card codes or PIN numbers from customers who visit their website.
To avoid this scam, always make sure that you are dealing with a legitimate retailer or eGift Card provider before providing any information. Also never provide your gift card code or PIN number to any website that you are not sure is legitimate.
8) Money Laundering:
In this scam, the scammers will use stolen gift card codes to purchase items online and then resell them for a profit.
To avoid this scam, always make sure that you are dealing with a reputable retailer or eGift Card provider. If possible, buy gift cards directly from the retailer and don't use third party websites to buy gift cards. Also, check your gift card balance frequently to ensure that no one is trying to access it without your permission.
9) Counterfeit Gift Cards:
In this scam, the scammers will create fake gift cards that are very similar to the original gift cards. They will then try to use them at retailers or eGift Card providers without getting caught.
To avoid this scam, always make sure that you are dealing with a reputable retailer or eGift Card provider before purchasing any gift card. Also, check your gift card balance frequently to ensure that no one is trying to access it without your permission.