How to Purchase Gift Cards Safely

1. Choose a reputable retailer: Purchase from the official store or authorized retailers
2. Inspect packaging: Look for signs of tampering before purchasing
3. Check activation: Ensure the card is properly activated at checkout
4. Keep your receipt: Save it as proof of purchase and for assistance if needed
5. Register the card: If the retailer offers registration, do so to protect your balance
6. Use promptly: Avoid leaving gift cards unused for long periods of time

How to Check Your Gift Card Balance

1. Visit the retailer's website: Look for a "Gift Card Balance" or "Check Balance" option
2. Enter card information: You'll typically need the card number and sometimes a PIN or security code
3. Call customer service: Use the number on the back of the card to check by phone
4. Visit in store: Ask a cashier or customer service desk to check the balance for you
5. Use the retailer's app: Many retailers allow balance checks through their mobile apps

Note: Always use official websites and phone numbers to check your balance to avoid phishing scams.

How to Use a Gift Card In-Store

1. Know your balance: Check the balance before shopping to avoid embarrassing declines
2. Inform the cashier: Let them know you'll be paying with a gift card before they start ringing up
3. Present your card: Hand over your physical card or provide digital gift card information
4. PIN entry: Some cards require a PIN, which should be provided with the card
5. Split payment: If your purchase exceeds your gift card balance, be ready with a second payment method
6. Keep the card: Even if the balance is zero, keep the card until you're sure the transaction is complete

How to Use a Gift Card Online

1. Proceed to checkout: Add items to your cart and begin the checkout process
2. Select payment method: Look for "Gift Card," "Gift Certificate," or similar option
3. Enter card details: Type in the gift card number and PIN/security code if required
4. Apply to order: There may be a button to apply the gift card to your current order
5. Add additional payment: If the gift card doesn't cover the full amount, add another payment method
6. Complete purchase: Confirm your order after reviewing all details

Note: For digital gift cards, copy and paste the number to avoid typing errors.

How to Protect Your Gift Cards from Fraud

1. Keep physical cards secure: Treat them like cash
2. Protect digital cards: Don't share the card numbers or PINs via email or text
3. Use secure Wi-Fi: When checking balances or making purchases online
4. Monitor balances: Check your balance regularly to detect unauthorized use
5. Be wary of scams: Never provide gift card information to someone who contacts you unexpectedly
6. Keep documentation: Save receipts, confirmation emails, and used gift cards until you're sure they're empty

Protecting Physical Gift Cards

• Keep gift cards in a secure location like a wallet or locked drawer
• Take a photo of the front and back of the card (including numbers) as backup
• Write down the card number, PIN, and customer service number separately
• Consider using a dedicated gift card wallet or organizer
• Never leave gift cards visible in your car or public places

Protecting Digital Gift Cards

• Don't forward gift card emails to others
• Screenshot or save digital gift cards in a secure location
• Use strong passwords for accounts where digital gift cards are stored
• Be careful when displaying digital gift cards in public
• Delete emails containing gift card information after saving the details securely

Identifying Gift Card Scams

Warning signs of gift card scams:

• Someone asks you to pay a bill, debt, or fee with gift cards
• Someone claims to be from a government agency and demands gift card payment
• Urgent requests for gift card information via phone, email, or text
• Offers to buy gift cards at extreme discounts
• Requests to provide gift card numbers and PINs to "verify" the cards
• Emails or calls claiming you've won a prize but need to pay fees with gift cards

Remember: No legitimate business or government agency will ever ask for payment via gift cards.