Buying gift cards from your local grocery store can really help when you’re on the run and need an easy gift for a friend or family member. But, beware! If you buy Gift Cards from a display rack that has various store cards, you may become a victim of theft.

Scammers may be jotting down the card numbers in the store, then waiting a few days and call to see how much of a balance is on the card. Once they find the card is “activated”, they go online and start shopping.

To protect yourself, buy your cards directly from a customer service person, making sure they pull them from a secure spot behind the counter.

For more information on Gift Card Scams, visit http://fightfraud.nv.gov/scams/2008-04-08-giftcards.htm.

Source: http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_gift_cards.htm