It was bound to happen; someone finally figured out how to scam open-loop (Visa type) gift cards at the checkout counter.

With closed loop card, the identifying numbers or bar are visible and can easily be read by theives. Once you activate the card that has been previously scanned by theives, they can tell through online tools when the card is active active and create a cloned card which they can use to spend. When you or the recipient go to use the card, it no longer has value.

With open-loop cards, this isn’t possible as the identifying information is hidden in the packaging and can not be easily copied.

The latest scam involves the thieves replacing the activation barcode on the outside of the packaging, which contains the code the identifies the card for activation, with a sticker that will activate a different card, which is in the posession of the thieves. The card you purchase never gets activated.

The way to protect yourself against this is to be sure and inspect the packaging for any anomalies that don’t look right, like a barcode sticker.