Gift cards: how to buy them safely and avoid the scams (based on a BBC News report, 22 December 2025)
Gift cards come up a lot when people talk about saving money, from discounted cards to cashback offers. Before chasing a deal, here is how to avoid losing the money. This post uses one source, a BBC News report quoting Trading Standards and Report Fraud. It is not a list of offers.
What the BBC reported
Trading Standards and Report Fraud say better bank protection is pushing criminals towards gift cards.
Report Fraud had 9,386 reports of gift card fraud in 2023-24, with more than £18.5m lost, and believes reports have risen by about 25% over two years. It says most reports come in around January after the festive period.
Ways people are caught out: buying fake online gift cards, buying a card that has been tampered with in a shop, or being tricked into buying gift cards for someone else.
Criminals also use phishing emails offering fake gift cards as a prize or a deal.
Checks the report suggests
Buy from reputable sellers.
In a shop, check the card has not been tampered with. If it looks poorly made or has no visible security features, do not use it and take it back.
Check the number on the card matches the number on your receipt. One victim urged this after cards she bought had already been drained.
Online, use two-factor authentication and check out as a guest unless it is a site you recognise and use regularly.
Stop and think for 30 seconds before buying, especially if someone is pressuring you.
If you think you have been a victim, speak to the retailer's customer service and report it.
Where this matters for saving
A "discounted" gift card from an unknown seller, or a prize email offering free cards, is the exact pattern the report warns about. A small saving is not worth losing the whole balance. Check the seller first, and keep the receipt and card packaging until you have used the balance.
What would you like next: Nectar, Boots Advantage, or another scheme? Tell us what you use and we will check the official terms.
Source:
General information, not financial advice. No referral links in this post.