How to Avoid a Gift Card Scam Known as “Card Draining”

Did you know that you can become a victim of gift card fraud even if you never even speak to a scammer?

ProPublica found that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has launched a task force to combat a scheme known as “card draining,” in which thieves use stolen or altered card numbers to steal money before the owner can spend it. Our national reporter Craig Silverman is here to tell you what it is and how to avoid it.

#giftcardscam #carddraining #balancetheft #scams #fraud #walmart #walmartgiftcards #moneylaundering #chineseorganizedcrime

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ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism with moral force.

[MegaUpstairs]

The problem is with the implementation. The cards should only have a plain white area on them, and the shops should have a printer that prints the code on that part of the card when the money is put on them.

[philbarone]

My wife got burned and CVS who sold her the card and nobody would take responsibility so she had to go through her credit card company.

[richardp]

Are certain types of stores more prone to this? What is the best place to buy physical cards?

[cvfuxvc]

Apple gift cards have the packaging that looks more secure like the last example he showed but it’s not secure at all. Scammers have figured out how to make those look like they haven’t been tampered with when they in fact have been. Target is one example of a corp that’s been aware of card draining but doesn’t care to protect their customers since they don’t have to refund any gift cards.

[wayneaspey]

Dont buy gift cards on social media u buy card they get money plus sell online get extra money u zero