PLUMSTEAD TOWNSHIP, PA – The Plumstead Township Police Department is raising awareness about a widespread gift card scam, particularly concerning given the upcoming holiday season.
The department has been investigating several incidents of gift card tampering, also known as “card draining,” involving brands such as Visa Vanilla, Nike, and Apple. These incidents have been notably prevalent in Giant and other local retail stores in Bucks and Montgomery counties during November and December.
Detective Larkin of the Plumstead Township Police Department has recently apprehended two individuals linked to these scams. The scam operates by offenders discreetly removing gift cards from store racks, exposing the card numbers and PIN codes, and then returning them.
Unsuspecting customers purchasing and activating these compromised cards inadvertently enable the offenders to drain the funds.
The department advises vigilance when purchasing gift cards. Consumers should inspect packaging for any signs of tampering or exposed PIN numbers. If a gift card appears to have been tampered with or opened, customers are advised to report it to the store manager or service desk immediately.