Gift Card Scams

Once again, Police continue their efforts in trying to investigate scams and frauds occurring over various social media buy and sell websites.  These include Market Place and Varage Sale among others.

Recently, Sarnia Police Service investigated a “scam” where someone bought a $1500 gift card on one of these platforms.  The gift card was for a big box store.  The victim paid $1200 for the card.  A pretty good deal!  After purchase, the victim arrived at the business and very quickly, and shockingly learned, the gift card was worth only $10.

Cash transactions, no paper trail, arrangements made to purchase in “other locations” make these investigations very difficult to actually investigate.  The gift Card being purchased by the victim may even be stolen and actually worthless.  Often times these scams prey on the more vulnerable sector of society, especially the elderly.  The holiday season is the most common time when people buy gift cards.  It is an easy gift which can be quite useful to many.

Protect yourself from these types of crimes.  Buy the card directly from the retailer.  The scam generally offers a high price card at a much lower price making it very appealing to the purchaser.  Common sense would indicate “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is”.

If you have any information that would lead to the arrest of individuals responsible for these types of scams, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or on line at www.p3tips.com.