(InvestigateTV) — The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported that gift cards are the most requested present for the holidays this year.
Melanie McGovern with the BBB said gift card recipients should be aware of the many scams around gift cards, especially during and after the holiday season.
“This is the time of year where gift cards are super popular and you know, scammers know that as well. Retailers have done an excellent job keeping gift cards safe,” McGovern shared. “They put them behind the register. You have to actually ask for them. You can’t just walk around the store with them, so there’s been a lot of safeguards put into place.”
Those receiving a gift card should check to make sure the packaging of the card has not been tampered with or damaged.
“If there is any indication that there might be, like tape over that silver foil that covers the pin. If it looks like the packaging was glued back together, talk to the person who gave it to you and ask them, ‘Hey, where did you buy this? I think it might be tampered with,’” she said. “And then take that gift card back to the retailer and say I’m not sure about this can you check it?”
Recipients of traditional gifts that may not be the best fit, literally or figuratively, can politely ask the giver for a gift receipt.
“You know, ask the person, ‘Hey, did you get a gift receipt? Is there a receipt I can have?’, she suggested. “Because when you have that receipt a lot of times it’s easier to make that return.”
The BBB said shoppers should not wait on returns since some retailers have a 30 to 90 day return policy.
Those purchasing gifts should make sure they are familiar with the vendor or store.
“It’s always really important to check out that retailer before you make that purchase so that you know the return will be able to be made if it is necessary,” McGovern added.
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