Gift Card Tampering Scam Reported In Lower Makefield Twp.

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA —The Lower Makefield Township Police Department is warning residents about a gift card scam during the holiday season that is impacting Lower Bucks County and the region.

Lower Makefield Police said that Giant Food Store on 700 Stony Hill Road reported that they had discovered compromised gift cards displayed for sale at the establishment.

The scam involves individuals stealing un-activated gift cards, obtaining the associated account numbers and PINs from the stolen cards, and then replacing the cards for sale at retail establishments.

Once the cards are sold to a paying customer, the funds are stolen by the actors via the previously obtained account and PIN numbers.

Township detectives, in coordination with store personnel, advised that this scam has been occurring in the region and that Upper Moreland Township Police recently arrested individuals involved in the incidents. There are no known victims currently in the township (customers who may have purchased compromised cards).

The information generated from this investigation (video surveillance, etc.) has been shared with the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office to coordinate the prosecution of the persons arrested in Bucks and Montgomery Counties.

Police said that citizens/customers should be vigilant when purchasing gift cards, particularly during this holiday season.

The gift cards should be examined for signs of tampering prior to purchase (disturbed packaging, revealed PIN numbers).