There are still major retailers who display gift cards right by the checkout counters. Most of the cards have a scratch off system, but there are still some that have the number not protected. The latter ones, whenever in display by the counter, are just at the scammers’ fingertips.

They take the number down and then keep calling the 1-800 number posted on it, to see when it is activated. Once the cards are active, they can freely purchase whatever they want and the real owner of the card will have no comeback.

How to avoid: don’t ever buy one of these cards for anyone unless they are kept in a secure drawer under the cashier’s counter.