Gift Cards

Overview

Gift cards have always been one of the most popular gift choices for many reasons.
They give the recipient the freedom to choose whatever he or she wants, relieve the sender from the stressful obligation of finding the perfect present, and can be bought and sent instantly online as a fantastic last-minute gift idea when there’s no time or practical way to buy something in person.

In addition, some websites offer the ability to purchase gift cards at considerable discount prices, for less than their face value.

Gift cards that can be bought online come in three major formats.
Physical plastic-made cards are sent to the end-customer or gift recipient by mail or courier service and can be redeemed at brick-and-mortar stores.

Online gift cards are sent digitally (usually by email) and available as gift codes, which means the recipients can use them for purchases on the internet during the checkout process, just before they finalize the transaction on a given merchant’s website.  

Also, many printable gift certificates can be redeemed either online or in physical points of sale, according to the shopper’s preference.

There are two main major gifts card selling websites.
The first offers new gift cards for sale from a large variety of popular and reputable national department store giants, large chains and other A-list brands.
These sites are extremely popular destinations for gift shoppers.

Gift card exchange websites are online marketplaces where anyone can open an account to buy or sell gift cards.
For sellers, it’s a great way to make money from gift cards they don’t need or don’t intend to use, while for buyers it’s an effective way to find bargains and save money.

Consumer Tips: How to Keep Safe and Avoid Gift Card Scams Online

Just like any other field that involves customers, retailers, and money that switches hands, the online gift card market also has its fair share of scammers, fraudsters and dishonest sellers that operate on the World Wide Web.

Some sellers will send an empty gift card or with a smaller than promised balance.
Other fraudsters will try to sell stolen, tampered or counterfeit gift cards.
Also, many scammers use stolen credit cards to purchase gift cards to resell them on the internet for cash later.

Scammers love getting paid by gift cards, and it’s one of their favorite ways of obtaining the victim’s money, either for theft or for money laundering schemes.
The reason? These cards are just like giving cash – and nearly untraceable, which helps to keep the criminal in complete anonymity.

Taking these steps will help you find credible and reliable retailers and complete your purchase in a safe, secure and satisfactory way:

Buy from Sites That Protect Customers

Before placing an actual order, read the website’s warranty or guarantee policy.
Purchase only from websites with good buyer protection policies in place that include money back guarantee.
That way, if something goes wrong, you can get a refund.

Verify The Card is Not Empty

Bought a gift card on an exchange site?
Check its balance immediately upon receipt, make sure the card is loaded with the correct amount and try to use it as soon as possible.
If there is a problem, contact the company without delay and ask for either a replacement or refund.

Investigate the Gift Card Site’s BBB Record

Check the company’s record on the Better Business Bureau’s website.
What you’ll find there, will help you evaluate whether it’s a legitimate business that deserves your money and trust or if you must look elsewhere.

Look for current BBB rating, customer reviews, complaints, warnings and alerts on their business profile.
In addition, learn how long it has been in business – a potential indicator of experience and reputation.

If the website is not even listed with the BBB, this is a very bad sign.
On the other hand, if the gift card retailer is certified as a BBB Accredited Business, it’s an important positive signal.

Pay Close Attention to Red Flags

Learn how to protect yourself better when ordering goods and services on the internet, to avoid scammers and keep safe in general.
Knowing how to check if a website is legitimate or not is the first line of defense.