How to Avoid eGift Card Fraud?

The holiday season is a time when gift giving is at its peak. People scramble to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones, often resorting to buying eGift cards. However, with the increase in online shopping comes an increase in eGift card fraud. How can you protect yourself from becoming a victim of eGift card fraud? There are a few steps you can take to ensure that the eGift card is valid and will be accepted by the retailer.

Check the Retailer's Website

The first step to protecting yourself from eGift card fraud is checking the retailer's website and verifying that your purchase of an electronic gift card is legitimate. If you are not sure about the legitimacy of a retailer, do a quick online search to see if any other shoppers have had negative experiences with that retailer.

Only Use Trusted Websites

When buying an eGift card, be sure to only use trusted websites. Look for websites that have "https" in their web address and/or a lock symbol in the address bar. Also look for websites that begin with "https://" instead of "http://", as the former is a sign that your information is secure and private. To ensure that you are shopping on a trusted website, consider only purchasing eGift cards from retailers and service providers who have been around for several years, as they are more likely to be legitimate and trustworthy.

Read the Fine Print

Just like any other purchase, it is important that you read the fine print of an eGift card before completing the transaction. Be sure to check all details such as: who you can use the gift card for, where you can use it, how long it is valid for, and if there are any fees associated with the card.

Check the Balance of the Card

Before using an eGift card, be sure to check its balance by visiting the retailer's website or calling their customer service line. This will ensure that you don't end up spending more than you intended on your gift card purchase.

Give the eGift Card to the Recipient ASAP

When immediately giving an eGift card, you want to ensure that it will be available for immediate use by the recipient. Avoid printing out your eGift card and sending it through snail mail. Instead, email or text them their gift card so that they can use it as soon as possible.

Keep Your Receipt

Just in case the eGift card is lost or stolen, be sure to keep your receipt so that you can easily report the card as lost or stolen and get a new one.

By following these simple steps, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of eGift card fraud.