For many of us, gift cards are the perfect fallback Christmas present. They’re quick, easy, and give the recipient the freedom to choose exactly what they want.
But this year, experts are warning that gift card fraud is on the rise, and buying cards from supermarket racks or open displays could leave you, or your loved ones, at risk of losing money before the card is ever used.
How Gift Card Fraud Happens
Fraudsters have found increasingly clever ways to exploit the way gift cards are displayed and sold. In many supermarkets and high street shops, gift cards are hung openly on shelves where anyone can handle them. Criminals can carefully remove a card from its packaging, record its number and barcode, then reseal it to look brand new.
When you later buy and activate the card at the till, the scammer, who’s been monitoring that card online, can immediately transfer or spend the balance, often within seconds. By the time your recipient tries to use their gift, it’s empty.
Why It’s a Growing Problem
Supermarkets and retailers often leave gift card displays unsecured and unmonitored, particularly during the busy Christmas period. With thousands of shoppers moving through the aisles, it’s easy for fraudsters to tamper with cards unnoticed.
Unlike debit or credit cards, gift cards usually don’t have any PIN protection or buyer security. Once the balance is gone, it can be nearly impossible to recover. Some retailers even allow activation online, creating another opportunity for fraud.
Warning Signs to Look Out For
Before popping a card in your basket, take a moment to inspect it carefully. Warning signs include:
Damaged or resealed packaging, look for tears, loose edges, or missing glue.
Scratched or altered barcodes, fraudsters sometimes cover them with stickers.
Misaligned numbers, if the visible card number doesn’t match the one printed on the packaging, avoid it.
Cards stored in odd places, if they’re away from tills or near customer exits, they could be more vulnerable to tampering.
How to Protect Your Christmas Purchases
A few simple precautions can make all the difference this festive season:
Buy gift cards directly from the brand’s website or their official shop, rather than a supermarket display.
Ask for cards kept behind the counter instead of those on open shelves.
Check the packaging and refuse any that look damaged or resealed.
Keep your receipt, you’ll need it if the card doesn’t work or has been drained.
Register the card immediately if that option is available, and check the balance straight away.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you discover that your card has already been used, contact the retailer’s customer service team immediately with your receipt and details. While not all retailers will replace stolen balances, some will investigate or issue a new card.
It’s also important to report the incident to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre, at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. Reporting helps prevent future scams and can highlight security flaws that need fixing.
A Safer Way to Give This Christmas
Gift cards can still make thoughtful presents, especially when purchased safely. Buying them directly from trusted retailers, checking for tampering, and keeping proof of purchase will help ensure your gift brings festive cheer rather than frustration.
Because nothing spoils Christmas quite like discovering your “perfectly practical” present has already been spent by someone else.
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