Duluth Police Warn Against Buying Second-Party Gift Cards; Current Scam Uses Craigslist To Sell Worthless Cards

The Duluth Police Department is warning citizens to be careful of buying unused or second-party gift cards from individuals - especially from people you don't know.  A current scam that is making its way through the Twin Ports involves Craigslist-advertised cards that hold no actual value.

The scam works this way.  The seller steals the cards from the shelf of a store that carries them.  Because the cards haven't been purchased - or validated - they hold no cash value whatsoever.  Then, the criminal posts them for sale on (usually on Craigslist) at a deep-discount.  The buyer unknowingly purchases what they think is a good deal only to discover that the gift card is completely worthless.

Officers with the police department warn consumers to be cautious and smart about making purchases from private individuals - especially off the internet, from people you don't know.

There are some internet-based sources for second-hand, discounted gift cards.  Coinstar, Card Hub, and Card Cash are just a few of them.  On the other side of the coin, if you find yourself stuck with a gift card you won't use and don't want to go through the hassle of selling it through an online source, Consumer Reports offers tips on exchanging them at the store.