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.
For more reporting on scams, read our investigation into how scammers have duped consumers out of more than $1 billion by exploiting Walmart’s lax security: propub.li/3Vj74Lw.
#giftcardscam #carddraining #balancetheft #scams #fraud #walmart #walmartgiftcards #moneylaundering #chineseorganizedcrime
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[@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.

[@philbarone4603]

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.

[@abbienormull]

Thank you!

[@richardp5586]

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

[@yeahsure6623]

from my experience i havent had any issues buying from stores that have the giftcards right in front of security cameras in more busy stores, also if you buy visa git cards, dont buy ones with no packaging, packaging makes it a bit easier to see any potential damage, other wise if you just want gift cards for games, stick to digital.