Visa gift cards are one of the most popular and flexible ways to give gifts. Not only does it offer convenience, but it also helps in managing expenses; the only major con of this is that it’s also a hot target for fraud and scams.
Practicing caution: understanding common Visa gift card scams
To take precautions against fraud and scams, you need to first know what these scams are and how they work. Fraudsters have certain tactics they use, preying on unknown victims, so it’s paramount to know what these are. Some of their most common malpractices include the following:
Phishing scams.
One of the most prevalent scams today, where fraudsters send deceptive texts, calls, and emails to their victims, is phishing scams. Their goal is to trick you into revealing your visa giftcard information, such as your card number, security code, and PIN. These scammers often pretend they act on behalf of banks or government agencies and often create an urgent scene that pressures their victims into complying with their scheme without thinking.
Online scams.
Scammers are also rampant online; they have their own fake websites and online shops offering your products and services at suspiciously low prices. Upon encountering these, do not use your Visa gift card to steal your card information.
Skimming.
On top of websites, mass emails, and calls, fraudsters also use a specific device attached to a card reader that easily steals your Visa gift card information. This is called skimming, and once they have access to your details, they can use it to make unauthorized purchases.
What to do to protect your Visa gift card.
Now that you have an idea of the most common scams to obtain your gift card details, you can start being vigilant and adopting practices to keep your details away from prying eyes.
Keep your card information secure.
Make sure to store your card number, PIN, and security code in a safe space that’s separate from the card itself.
Monitor your transactions regularly.
Make it a habit to check your Visa gift card transactions frequently so you can see if there are any unauthorized transactions. Most Visa gift card providers offer online access and mobile apps so you can check them regularly.
Be wary of suspicious communications.
Do not trust people who call you out of the blue, claiming they represent your bank or some other organization and asking for your information. Do not click links since this is another way for them to get you to give out your information.
Treat your Visa gift card like cash.
One secure practice you should do is to treat your Visa gift card like cash; do not share it with anyone you don’t trust and never send your card details through emails or texts since these channels are not secure.
Only use your card on secure websites for online purchases.
In this day where most of us prefer shopping online, make sure to do your shopping purchases at websites that have a secure connection (HTTPS). Another indicator that it’s a secure website is if it has a padlock icon in the icon bar; on the other hand, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks when making online purchases since these connections are not secure.
