Recently in California, there have been many scams regarding gift cards. Gift cards,a suitable present for any special event, including the holidays, is essentially money gifted for shopping at a particular business. 

According to consumer.ftc.org, scammers can copy down gift card numbers from store displays, cover the back with a similar silver sticker and then steal the card’s funds once the card is activated. As such, one only realizes the occurrence of the scam when gift card payments are declined. 

“I just got my friend a gift card around March and I guess she got scammed,” FHS freshman Tamar Shelly said. “So she can’t use it. I feel bad for her because I spent my money on her but now she can’t use the money.”

Scams and fraud happen on a daily basis making shopping and paying for things seem fishy. This fraud can happen to anyone at any store. It is important for one to be aware of where they get your gift cards from. Although this can happen in any store, the following stores are more likely to have already-redeemed gift cards: Walmart, Target, CVS, Safeway and Walgreens. 

Gift cards may not necessarily advance society, but they offer a convenient way to purchase items or services without carrying cash or credit cards. In addition, gift cards can be a great way to show appreciation, gratitude or love to someone. By giving a gift card, individuals allow the recipient to choose the item they want or need, which can be a more meaningful and useful gift than something pre-selected for them. 

Though it may be confusing to navigate these scams, it is not very difficult. Gifting already-redeemed can be avoided by buying digital gift cards and giving  them to the recipient, either by emailing the card or printing the receipt. Alternatively, removing the gift card envelopes at check out to make sure they have not been tampered with or cut will protect the value of the gift card and ensure that the recipient receives the full value of the gift. 

Be aware of gift card scams, especially as they have become increasingly common in California. It’s concerning to hear that these scams have targeted even FHS students.  However, with vigilance and intelligent strategies, it’s possible to prevent falling victim to these fraudulent activities. Educating others about these scams and reporting any suspicious activity to the appropriate sources is essential. By staying informed and spreading awareness, we can help protect ourselves and our community from falling prey to these schemes.