Bethel Police Warn Of Gift Card Scam

BETHEL, CT — The police are warning residents of a new financial scam that makes use of gift cards.

According to the Bethel Police Department, the scammer will call the victim and claim that their personal information has been stolen, and the only way to secure it is to purchase "blocking cards," which are gift cards. The scammer will then ask the victim to give the gift card information over the phone.

The Bethel PD is advising residents they should never purchase gift cards at the request of someone they do not know, or provide gift card information over the phone.

"Gift cards are not a secure means of transferring money, and once the information on the gift car has been compromised there is no effective way to recoup the money or investigate the crime," Chief Stephen Pugner said in a statement.