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Written by Yuma News Now Yuma News Now
Published: 23 December 2017 23 December 2017

Yuma, Arizona - As the countdown to Christmas begins, Attorney General Mark Brnovich is asking Arizonans to be extra cautious when making last-minute gift card purchases.

“Gift cards are one of the most requested items on holiday wish lists. Unfortunately, thieves like gift cards too,” said Attorney General Brnovich. “Con-artists are now able to scan gift card numbers inside the store and drain away balances before you can even use the card.”

Gift card fraud is on the rise as thieves target in-store gift card racks. They use handheld scanners to read the card’s magnetic information and any number on the front, after which they place the card back on display and wait for it to be activated.

Once the unknowing recipient activates the card, the thief can use the stolen card number to make online purchases and drain the balance on the card.

AG Brnovich suggests the following tips to avoid gift card scams:

If you believe you have been the victim of a  scam or any other type of consumer fraud, please contact the Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix at (602) 542-5763, in Tucson at (520) 628-6504, or outside the metro areas at (800) 352-8431. Bilingual consumer protection staff is available to assist. Consumers can also file complaints online by visiting the Attorney General’s website  at https://www.azag.gov/complaints/consumer .