What you need to know about gift cards

You see gift cards just about everywhere you go.

Whether its Walmart, Kohl’s, or even PetSmart.

Some people like them.

“It’s much easier for me to get an Amazon, a Target or Walmart, and let them buy their own things,” said Desert Hot Springs resident Mary Hillebrand.

Other shoppers don’t like them.

“It is too easy. People don’t have to think of the process. Its here is a gift card, get what you want,” said desert visitor Jeanine McLean.

No matter the opinion, gift cards are now a huge component of holiday giving.

The National Retail Federation says Americans now spend $27.6 billion on gift cards, with buyers purchasing an average of four gift cards during the holiday season.

The Better Business Bureau says this is what you need to know if gift cards are on your list.

Scammers, targeting cards on racks, copy gift card codes, scratch off the strip on the back of the card, steal the “PIN” number, and put the card back on the rack.

Once money is loaded on the card, the scammer, using the stolen information, spends the money before the card can be redeemed.

So, when buying a card, select a card from the back of the rack, and check for tampering.

Also, the BBB says to double check terms and conditions, the expiration date, or any fees tied to the gift card before you purchase one.

Here in California, its also important to know that state law prohibits retailer specific gift card expiration dates.

For retailer specific gift cards with a balance of less than ten dollars, the card holder can ask for cash back.

The Better Business Bureau offers a “Scam Tracker” that you can use to stay informed on the latest scams happening locally.

Click here for the link.