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Step 1
Check both sides of the gift card before purchasing it. Thieves have been known to not only copy the identifying information but also the PIN. However, you should be able to see this if you examine the gift card before you purchase it. If there seems to be any discrepancy on the gift card, purchase a different one.
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Step 2
Buy gift cards from stores only. Although this isn't a guarantee that the gift card hasn't been tampered with, you will have a better shot at it being legitimate.
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Step 3
Select gift cards that you have to present in order to use them. There are gift cards that can be used by just supplying the information from the card. These are the ones that are more likely to be frauds. It would be difficult for the thief to present the card when you have it. So stay away from the gift cards that don't have to be presented to use them.
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Step 4
Using the Internet to purchase gift cards can be tricky unless you are purchasing them from reputable merchant sites. Online auctions seem to be the best place where you will run across gift card scams. You are better off not participating in them.
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Step 5
Have the gift card scanned after you have purchased it to be sure that it is legitimate and that it does have the value you expect it to have. Many times cards are exchanged and the only way to be able to know this is if you have the purchased gift card scanned.
