WEST CHESTER, PA — Authorities are delving into allegations of a scam that’s leaving shoppers with worthless gift cards. The Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department confirmed it is actively investigating multiple reports of what’s being termed “Gift Card Draining” at several Giant Food Store locations.
The alleged scheme involves scammers manipulating physical gift cards sold in stores. According to police reports, the fraudsters reportedly scratch off the protective covering on the cards to access and record the codes beneath. They then reseal the cards in a manner that makes them appear untouched and return them to the shelf. Unsuspecting customers who purchase and load these tampered cards with funds find themselves victims as the scammers swiftly drain the cards’ balances using the recorded codes.
The police have issued advice to the public in hopes of curtailing further incidents of this nature. They urge caution when receiving any requests for payments via gift cards, particularly if the request comes unexpectedly or with a high-pressure tactic. They recommend verifying the legitimacy of such requests by contacting the requesting party through independently verified contact information.
Additionally, consumers are advised to meticulously inspect any physical gift cards for signs of tampering, such as disturbances to the protective coverings, before making a purchase. Any suspicious findings should be reported to store personnel immediately.
Lastly, the police stress the importance of staying informed about common scams and sharing this knowledge with others. Education and awareness are key components in preventing similar fraudulent activities from affecting more individuals in the community.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working closely with affected retailers to track down those responsible for the alleged scam. In the meantime, the community is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to gift card purchases to the police.
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