Thieves have been writing down the numbers of unused gift cards. Once the card has been activated, they take the numbers online and start shopping.

From KXAN:

“I just thought if it’s activated, you put it in your purse and that’s yours. You don’t think about someone stealing your number,” shopper Lara Robles said.”
“I don’t think there’s any reason to hide it, not like personal info on there,” shopper Shannon Brown said.
Henderson asked: “If you were to go get a gift card, what would you do it with?”
Robles said: “Throw it in my cart.”
Henderson said; “Someone could get your numbers.”
Robles said: “Right, I didn’t even think about that.”

“Once it’s gone, it’s gone,” Cabellero said.”

Suposedly, scammers can steal the number from your cart, or in some cases just write down the numbers of unused cards on display…then wait for Christmas Eve and start typing them in. We do not know if this actually works, because we are not scammers, but it can’t be a bad idea to keep an eye on your card.—MEGHANN MARCO

Gift Cards Latest Source Of Scams [KXAN]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.