Gift Cards Scams

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Many people this year received gift cards for presents during the holidays this season. Unfortunately many people across the nation have reported their new gift cards being empty upon receipt which has given many consumers a headache.

There is not much that can be done about receiving a bad gift card says Bowling Green Police Department Public Information Officer Ronnie Ward.

“If you get a gift card, you can check the balances of those in various ways. Some of them require you to go online or maybe even call and check it. But the problem is, if it’s if the card that you gets empty, there’s really not much recourse that you have on that.” Ward said.

Considering there is often no way to verify if unregistered gift cards have actually been spent, many retailers are unlikely to refund the purchase, especially without a receipt. There are still ways to protect yourself though.

One way is to see if the company that services the card is able to check the amount upon purchase, another is to see if you can register the card with the servicer. Ward recommends purchasing the multi-pack cards and to always ensure that the packages are sealed before purchasing. When all else fails spend them while you have them.

“I always tell people, use the gift card sooner than later. Check it before you get to the counter to buy all your products. Just make sure that the card does in fact have the correct amount on it or it does in fact have money on it. That way you don’t get yourself into an embarrassing situation where you’re standing there with all of your things waiting to check out and your card doesn’t work.” Ward said.