Man out nearly $4k in Home Depot gift cards after falling victim to payment plot – he thought they were sent to the bank
In an internet banking scam, a man was defrauded of gift cards worth about $4,000.
When the 68-year-old guy delivered several Home Depot gift cards he owned via an online system he thought was a bank on October 22, he became a victim of the scheme.
The elderly man moved two $1,200 gift cards and three $500 gift cards, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
The man sent gift cards totaling $3,900 to the fraudulent online bank.
According to Explore Clarion, police verified that the money was sent to a con artist instead of a reputable bank.
A request for comment from Pennsylvania State Police was not immediately answered.
Read more in The U.S. Sun
GIFT CARD SCHEME
As the hectic holiday shopping season draws near, authorities have alerted customers to a rise in in-person and online scams.
Authorities have advised consumers to exercise caution, especially when buying gift cards.
By taking a few easy precautions, shoppers may guard against fraudsters and avoid being defrauded of hundreds of dollars.
Before buying a gift card, make careful to inspect its sleeves.
It’s recommended to bring a sleeve to the store’s management and report any issues if it has razor marks on the back, is taped together, or has had its barcode scratched out.
Gift card fraud has increased when a nanny in Douglas County, Colorado, which is located just south of Denver, was defrauded of $10,000.
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It started when Martha Fry reported that she was prompted to phone a number after receiving a computer virus alert on her PC.
The person on the other end of the connection told Fry that sexual content of youngsters in China had been ordered using her IP address.
“I was frightened. Fry told ABC affiliate KMGH-TV, “As a nanny, I can’t be and would never want to be associated with something like that.”
The con artist persuaded Fry to buy five $2,000 gift cards at her local Lowe’s right away.
Fry also pointed the finger at Lowe’s, saying that when she bought $10,000 worth of gift cards, the staff there failed to inquire.
Fry stated a Although the company stated she would not obtain a refund, Lowe’s manager informed her that she might get her money back.
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“Lowe’s makes money from this. In one instant, they receive $10,000,” she raged.
“The loser here is the victim, and I just want the public to be aware.”
What to look out for when buying gift cards
Make sure to look at the back of the packaging when purchasing a gift card.
It may have been opened by a scammer if it is torn or otherwise destroyed.
Call the retailer where you bought the card and get in touch with the gift card provider right once if the redemption code on the back of the card is broken and unusable.
Don’t forget to save the receipt for the gift card.
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