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Gift Cards Can Be Prime Scam Targets

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With holiday shopping getting into full swing this week, state consumer protection officials say be vigilant when buying gift cards.

State consumer protection leader Frank Frassetto says gift cards are among the top gifts for the ninth year in a row. He says scammers know this, then try to get between you and your money by setting up phony cards and asking for information...

"....they will send you an email, text, or contact you by phone and say we have a $500 or $1,000 gift card.All we need is verify your information and it will be coming your way. Someone may give away all their personal, identifiable information..."

Frassetto says it's best to buy gift cards directly from a retailer or authorized merchant, but if you do consider buying an unused card second-hand, purchase it from someone you know. If you have a problem, contact consumer protection atdatcp.wisconsin .govor call their hotline at 800-422-7128.

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