If you watch the news or have an email-box, you've undoubtedly seen warnings about gift card scammers who are draining the value from gift cards that were displayed publicly in retail stores. Although these gift card scam warnings are widespread, this type of gift card scam is currently quite rare.
Gift card scams abound. Yet, ScamBusters.org, a public service website that has been helping people protect themselves from Internet scams since 1994, warns that it's the little-known gift card scams that are actually the biggest threats this holiday season. In fact, there are three little-known gift card scams involving online action sites that pose a much bigger risk to consumers.
We'll explain what these bigger threats are in a moment. But first, let's take a quick look at the email warnings making the rounds:
--- Begin Email ---
The crooks have found a way to rob you of your gift card balance. If you buy Gift Cards from a display rack that has various store cards you may become a victim of theft.
Crooks are now jotting down the card numbers in the store and then wait a few days and call to see how much of a balance THEY have on the card. Once they find the card is "activated," they go online and start shopping.
You may want to purchase your card from a customer service person, where they do not have the Gift Cards viewable to the public.
--- End Email ---
As it turns out, these email warnings are, in fact, true. Crooks CAN rob you of the money on a legitimate gift card that is purchased from the publicly-displayed rack of a retail store.
In fact, the National Retail Foundation recently confirmed this scam, and said: "Reports about a new gift card scam detailing how consumers could lose money from gift cards if criminals steal the card numbers from the back of the card are accurate but somewhat misleading."
However, experts agree that there are three other gift card scams that pose a much bigger danger this Christmas season:
- Online auction websites where scammers offer used, fraudulent and counterfeit gift cards for sale.
- Online auction websites where scammers use stolen credit cards to buy real gift cards they sell for cash.
- Websites (both online auction and other ecommerce and classified sites) where scammers overstate the value of authentic gift cards so that buyers get cards worth less than they expect.
In other words, auction gift card scams now pose a much bigger threat than what you've been hearing on the news about gift cards displayed on public racks in stores.
Fortunately, it is quite easy to protect yourself from all of these gift card scams. You can find eight simple recommendations from ScamBusters.org on how to protect yourself from any gift card scam here.
http://www.scambusters.org/giftcard.html
Audri G. Lanford is the Co-Director of ScamBusters.org, a public service website that has been helping people protect themselves from Internet scams since 1994. Subscribe free to ScamBusters.org free weekly newsletter: http://www.scambusters.org
Tags: email, few days, consumers, scammers, crooks, retail store, christmas season, holiday season, internet scams, criminals, retail stores, store cards, gift cards
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_112454_15.html
Sunday, July 19, 2009
iTunes Gift Cards, the Perfect Present
Seeking a gift for the music afficianado who seems to already own every song you can imagine? Or are you trying to find a gift for that person whom you barely know? iTunes gift cards are an ideal solution, providing the most flexibility and allowing the recipient to get exactly the gift that he desires. The gift card allows the recipient to buy from a wide variety of choices, including music, videos, audio books, and television shows from the online iTunes Store. Please note that these gift cards are not usable for online Apple Store purchases.
Most everyone likes music, and even the sincerely devout music lover does not have every tune that he would like in his collection. Even if the person has literally every single song that has come out up to that point, there is always more music that will be produced and released, and the gift card can be used for that. No matter what kind of music the recipient prefers, whether it’s rock, country, hip hop, rap, jazz, classical, or any other style of music, this gift card will let the recipient find the perfect gift. A really nice feature of this gift is that instead of locking the gift into one album, this gift card basically is like giving selections from a wide variety of recordings.
How do you buy iTunes gift cards? You will get these at the online Apple Store or at Apple Retail stores; you can also find these gift cards at numerous retail stores in your neighborhood. The cards come in different value amounts, so you have the ability to find the right size present for that friend or loved one. When you buy the gift card, make sure you check the back of the card. There is an area that the recipient will need to scratch off to reveal the code so that the card can be used. If the code is already visible, do not buy that card. It is advisable that you turn that card in to the manager or a cashier.
To use the gift card, the recipient can start up iTunes on his computer and then go to the iTunes Store and select Redeem (in the upper right hand corner). The recipient will be able to use the card as desired. There’s no need to spend the whole amount all at once. The recipient of the gift card is able to set up an iTunes account without needing to provide a credit card number. The ability to choose the selections and ease of use of this card make it the ideal present.
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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_959969_45.html
Most everyone likes music, and even the sincerely devout music lover does not have every tune that he would like in his collection. Even if the person has literally every single song that has come out up to that point, there is always more music that will be produced and released, and the gift card can be used for that. No matter what kind of music the recipient prefers, whether it’s rock, country, hip hop, rap, jazz, classical, or any other style of music, this gift card will let the recipient find the perfect gift. A really nice feature of this gift is that instead of locking the gift into one album, this gift card basically is like giving selections from a wide variety of recordings.
How do you buy iTunes gift cards? You will get these at the online Apple Store or at Apple Retail stores; you can also find these gift cards at numerous retail stores in your neighborhood. The cards come in different value amounts, so you have the ability to find the right size present for that friend or loved one. When you buy the gift card, make sure you check the back of the card. There is an area that the recipient will need to scratch off to reveal the code so that the card can be used. If the code is already visible, do not buy that card. It is advisable that you turn that card in to the manager or a cashier.
To use the gift card, the recipient can start up iTunes on his computer and then go to the iTunes Store and select Redeem (in the upper right hand corner). The recipient will be able to use the card as desired. There’s no need to spend the whole amount all at once. The recipient of the gift card is able to set up an iTunes account without needing to provide a credit card number. The ability to choose the selections and ease of use of this card make it the ideal present.
This article is copyright
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_959969_45.html
Credit Card Rebates � What They Mean to You
With all the spending you do on a weekly basis, wouldn't it be great to get some of that cash back at the end of the year? With credit card rebates, you can do just that. Rebate credit cards offer you a percentage of your money back. So when you spend with your credit card you can be earning money. This is a great way to add to your end of year savings or to earn a little extra money for holiday shopping expenses.
How Rebate Credit Cards Work
When you sign up for a rebate credit card, you are agreeing to use the card according to the credit card agreement. While all agreements are different, the rebate credit card agreement will detail how much you have to spend to earn money on your purchases.
Most cards offer up to five percent cash back on your purchases. So check for the details in the contract. You may earn different amounts at different places. For example, some cards offer five percent cash back rebate when you use your rebate credit card at a grocery store, gas station, or drugstore. These daily purchases add up quickly and it is easy to earn rebates this way.
However, your purchases at other stores may only earn you one percent of your purchase price in rebates.
Restrictions
Again, many cards only offer their premium percentage rates on purchases made at specific locations. In addition, there may be a limit on how much your can earn. Credit card rebates may be limited to three hundred dollars or less in one year. Once you hit this limit in rebates, you will no longer be earning cash back when you use your card.
You may also have to pay an annual fee to use the card. Weigh the cost of this against how much you think you will actually earn back in credit card rebates to see if it is worth it. If you pay a fee that is over fifty dollars and you only think you can earn seventy-five dollars in rebates, the card may not be worth your time.
Keep in mind that the interest rate also plays a part in how much money you get back. It is very important to always pay your rebate credit card bill in full each month. If you don't, you will earn interest on the balance and pay the company much more than you get back at the end of the year.
Keeping Track of Rebates
Be sure that you keep track of your spending with these credit cards. Most companies offer an online service to let you see how much you have spent and how much you have earned. Take advantage of this service and stay on top of your monthly bills.
Tips to Earning More
Again, if your card offers a higher rate for spending at supermarkets, drugstores, or gas stations, use your card there primarily. You can also get the higher rate most of the time for purchasing merchant gift cards at the supermarket. So if you want to purchase something at a department store, buy a gift card at the supermarket to earn your higher rate and then shop with the gift card.
For more information on the best credit card rebates available, Robert Alan recommends that you visit CreditCardAssist.com
Tags: extra money, how much money, earning money, interest rate, grocery store, different places, fifty dollars, drugstore, gas station, five dollars, credit card agreement, holiday shopping, rebate credit cards, percentage rates
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_63151_19.html
How Rebate Credit Cards Work
When you sign up for a rebate credit card, you are agreeing to use the card according to the credit card agreement. While all agreements are different, the rebate credit card agreement will detail how much you have to spend to earn money on your purchases.
Most cards offer up to five percent cash back on your purchases. So check for the details in the contract. You may earn different amounts at different places. For example, some cards offer five percent cash back rebate when you use your rebate credit card at a grocery store, gas station, or drugstore. These daily purchases add up quickly and it is easy to earn rebates this way.
However, your purchases at other stores may only earn you one percent of your purchase price in rebates.
Restrictions
Again, many cards only offer their premium percentage rates on purchases made at specific locations. In addition, there may be a limit on how much your can earn. Credit card rebates may be limited to three hundred dollars or less in one year. Once you hit this limit in rebates, you will no longer be earning cash back when you use your card.
You may also have to pay an annual fee to use the card. Weigh the cost of this against how much you think you will actually earn back in credit card rebates to see if it is worth it. If you pay a fee that is over fifty dollars and you only think you can earn seventy-five dollars in rebates, the card may not be worth your time.
Keep in mind that the interest rate also plays a part in how much money you get back. It is very important to always pay your rebate credit card bill in full each month. If you don't, you will earn interest on the balance and pay the company much more than you get back at the end of the year.
Keeping Track of Rebates
Be sure that you keep track of your spending with these credit cards. Most companies offer an online service to let you see how much you have spent and how much you have earned. Take advantage of this service and stay on top of your monthly bills.
Tips to Earning More
Again, if your card offers a higher rate for spending at supermarkets, drugstores, or gas stations, use your card there primarily. You can also get the higher rate most of the time for purchasing merchant gift cards at the supermarket. So if you want to purchase something at a department store, buy a gift card at the supermarket to earn your higher rate and then shop with the gift card.
For more information on the best credit card rebates available, Robert Alan recommends that you visit CreditCardAssist.com
Tags: extra money, how much money, earning money, interest rate, grocery store, different places, fifty dollars, drugstore, gas station, five dollars, credit card agreement, holiday shopping, rebate credit cards, percentage rates
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_63151_19.html
Top 7 Best Shopping Tips
When it comes to shopping, we all want to be able to shop while saving money. If you are on a tight budget, and you have gifts to buy or grocery shopping to take care of, look into the top 7 best shopping tips that you could ever learn.
1. When buying a gift for someone else it is always a good idea to find out what they like or be safe and go with a nice $20 gift card.
2. Be a bargain shopper and buy a newspaper every weekend to find out what is on sale for that week.
3. Use as many coupons as you can possibly get, keep in mind some grocery stores will double or even triple coupons!
4. Make a list of what you need before going out on your shopping trip; this will help to save money.
5. Instead of paying full price, wait for items you have your eye to either go on sale or go on clearance. Patience will bring you more than what you expect.
6. When shopping online, makes sure that you search high and low to get the lowest price possible on certain items.
7. Check out online auction stores to do all of your online gift shopping. From here, you can bid on certain items and win them at a lower price.
Tags: patience, auction, coupons, grocery shopping, saving money, tight budget, grocery stores, best shopping, gift shopping, gift card
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_876253_2.html
1. When buying a gift for someone else it is always a good idea to find out what they like or be safe and go with a nice $20 gift card.
2. Be a bargain shopper and buy a newspaper every weekend to find out what is on sale for that week.
3. Use as many coupons as you can possibly get, keep in mind some grocery stores will double or even triple coupons!
4. Make a list of what you need before going out on your shopping trip; this will help to save money.
5. Instead of paying full price, wait for items you have your eye to either go on sale or go on clearance. Patience will bring you more than what you expect.
6. When shopping online, makes sure that you search high and low to get the lowest price possible on certain items.
7. Check out online auction stores to do all of your online gift shopping. From here, you can bid on certain items and win them at a lower price.
Tags: patience, auction, coupons, grocery shopping, saving money, tight budget, grocery stores, best shopping, gift shopping, gift card
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_876253_2.html
Buying Gift Cards: A Few Useful Tips
There's little doubt gift cards make good gifts. In fact, they may be the "perfect" gift. Why? Because, by giving a gift card, you allow someone to choose something that they actually want. No guessing. No mistakes. No bad gifts that get buried in the closet, never to be seen again. In the past several year gift cards have become a very acceptable and desired gift option.
However, not all gift cards are created equal. Some are actually much better than others. Because of their popularity (they are now one of the most-purchased gifts in the United States) gift cards are offered by hundreds of different retailers as well as credit card companies. It's very important that you take your time, read the fine print, and find out exactly what type of cards you're buying. Remember, several types of gift cards can actually "go bad" within just few months of purchase, so it's important to do your research and be careful.
Here are a few tips for buying gift cards will make everyone happy:
1. Watch out for expiration dates -- Some gift cards expire in as little as 6 months after purchase. Almost all cards issued by credit card companies have expiration dates. So no, they're not "as good as cash" like many people believe. It's becoming less and less common for retailers to issue gift cards with expiration dates, but it does still happen. If possible, avoid buying cards that must be used within a certain amount of time. And if you DO buy one be sure the person you give it to is well aware of that time limit!
2. Watch out for fees -- Be aware that a few companies sell gift cards that have "dormancy fees" that kick in after 6 months or so. These fees can reduce the value of a card by up to $5 per month. Make sure anyone you give these types of cards to is aware of this fee. There's nothing worse than going to a store and finding out your gift card is worth half of the face value due to dormancy fees.
2. Stick with established retailers -- It seems just about every little store and restaurant now offers some type of gift card or gift certificate. However, little stores and restaurants go out of business, have computer problems, get new ownership, and have all types of other problems that may keep them from honoring a gift card or certificate in the future. It's best to stick with the big, well-known, and well-established retailers. When you buy a gift card from your local "Best Buy" store, you can be certain it will be honored in the future -- not just in that store but in any of the hundreds of stores around the country.
Author Resource:- Jamie Clark is a researcher and writer for Gift-Cards-Guide.com. For more useful tips and news about gift cards be sure to visit: http://www.gift-card-guide.com/
Article From Article Press
However, not all gift cards are created equal. Some are actually much better than others. Because of their popularity (they are now one of the most-purchased gifts in the United States) gift cards are offered by hundreds of different retailers as well as credit card companies. It's very important that you take your time, read the fine print, and find out exactly what type of cards you're buying. Remember, several types of gift cards can actually "go bad" within just few months of purchase, so it's important to do your research and be careful.
Here are a few tips for buying gift cards will make everyone happy:
1. Watch out for expiration dates -- Some gift cards expire in as little as 6 months after purchase. Almost all cards issued by credit card companies have expiration dates. So no, they're not "as good as cash" like many people believe. It's becoming less and less common for retailers to issue gift cards with expiration dates, but it does still happen. If possible, avoid buying cards that must be used within a certain amount of time. And if you DO buy one be sure the person you give it to is well aware of that time limit!
2. Watch out for fees -- Be aware that a few companies sell gift cards that have "dormancy fees" that kick in after 6 months or so. These fees can reduce the value of a card by up to $5 per month. Make sure anyone you give these types of cards to is aware of this fee. There's nothing worse than going to a store and finding out your gift card is worth half of the face value due to dormancy fees.
2. Stick with established retailers -- It seems just about every little store and restaurant now offers some type of gift card or gift certificate. However, little stores and restaurants go out of business, have computer problems, get new ownership, and have all types of other problems that may keep them from honoring a gift card or certificate in the future. It's best to stick with the big, well-known, and well-established retailers. When you buy a gift card from your local "Best Buy" store, you can be certain it will be honored in the future -- not just in that store but in any of the hundreds of stores around the country.
Author Resource:- Jamie Clark is a researcher and writer for Gift-Cards-Guide.com. For more useful tips and news about gift cards be sure to visit: http://www.gift-card-guide.com/
Article From Article Press
Gift Cards The Gift is in the Card
They are a great gift for the person who has every or who is difficult to please. Retailers love them and they are a multi billion dollar industry. Gift cards have exploded onto the scene over the past number of years as a fast and convenient way to give a gift to someone. And most people love getting them since you always know that you will be getting something you really want.
Just how popular have gift cards become? Well numbers found from Statistics Canada showed that in 2003 about one third of all retailers were running a gift card program. Three years later that number had increased to around 82 of retailers that sold gift cards in their stores. And the biggest reason could be convenience.
If you have a teen who just got their driver’s license it is not exactly practical to wrap up a canister of gas as a present and you certainly are not going to give them your credit card. But you can very easily give them a gift card for $100. Or by giving a card that is good for a bus or train ticket you will not have to worry about travel dates since the card can be redeemed for a ticket at any time.
One of the most successful and popular types of gift cards to give someone is for coffee shops. These can be given to family, friends and co workers and really is the gift that keeps on giving with a little caffeine jolt every morning. Retailers like Star Bucks even lets you purchase another gift card for someone using the credits that are on your own card.
There are even gift card options that are geared specifically for the wealthy clientele. The Four Seasons hotel chain offers cards with denominations of $1,000 up to $5,000. And if that is not enough for you, you can contact the head office and arrange for a whopping $100,000 value gift card. For that amount of money will want to find a great gift card holder to put it in.
While gift cards remain convenient and popular there is a drawback in purchasing them and that is that unlike store merchandise, these cards never go on sale. For the recipient of the card, they can buy sale items and make their redemption money go further. But the person giving the card would not have the to opportunity to buy a higher priced item at a discounted price.
Another thing to consider is the store that the card you are giving is good for. Since a large portion of gift cards go unredeemed you will want to make sure that the person you are giving it to shops at or has a keen interest in that store. The last thing you want is to waste money on buying a card that will never be used.
Still gift cards can make a great present especially for those in your life that can be hard to buy for. And since many retailers issue them you can be sure to find one that’s right for the person on your list.
Author Resource:- Stefan Hyross writes for Gift Card Occasions that provides gift card holders for retail and commercial customers. Feel free to visit the site to view the full line of products that can help propel your gift card programs. http://www.giftcardoccasions.com/
Article From Article Press
Just how popular have gift cards become? Well numbers found from Statistics Canada showed that in 2003 about one third of all retailers were running a gift card program. Three years later that number had increased to around 82 of retailers that sold gift cards in their stores. And the biggest reason could be convenience.
If you have a teen who just got their driver’s license it is not exactly practical to wrap up a canister of gas as a present and you certainly are not going to give them your credit card. But you can very easily give them a gift card for $100. Or by giving a card that is good for a bus or train ticket you will not have to worry about travel dates since the card can be redeemed for a ticket at any time.
One of the most successful and popular types of gift cards to give someone is for coffee shops. These can be given to family, friends and co workers and really is the gift that keeps on giving with a little caffeine jolt every morning. Retailers like Star Bucks even lets you purchase another gift card for someone using the credits that are on your own card.
There are even gift card options that are geared specifically for the wealthy clientele. The Four Seasons hotel chain offers cards with denominations of $1,000 up to $5,000. And if that is not enough for you, you can contact the head office and arrange for a whopping $100,000 value gift card. For that amount of money will want to find a great gift card holder to put it in.
While gift cards remain convenient and popular there is a drawback in purchasing them and that is that unlike store merchandise, these cards never go on sale. For the recipient of the card, they can buy sale items and make their redemption money go further. But the person giving the card would not have the to opportunity to buy a higher priced item at a discounted price.
Another thing to consider is the store that the card you are giving is good for. Since a large portion of gift cards go unredeemed you will want to make sure that the person you are giving it to shops at or has a keen interest in that store. The last thing you want is to waste money on buying a card that will never be used.
Still gift cards can make a great present especially for those in your life that can be hard to buy for. And since many retailers issue them you can be sure to find one that’s right for the person on your list.
Author Resource:- Stefan Hyross writes for Gift Card Occasions that provides gift card holders for retail and commercial customers. Feel free to visit the site to view the full line of products that can help propel your gift card programs. http://www.giftcardoccasions.com/
Article From Article Press
Why business gift cards?
Nowadays, some merchant service providers are able to provide your business with the ability to create and sell custom gift cards. These custom gift cards are designed by the business owner and often depict your business logo or some other graphical representation of your business. The cards are used by consumers to make purchases at your establishment and consumers appreciate the flexibility they provide as they do not need to carry cash or credit cards to shop at your business. Custom gift cards are a relatively easy and affordable way to expand your brand awareness and customer loyalty.
Both customers and business owners benefit from custom gift cards. Most businesses enjoy custom gift cards because of the guaranteed revenue they generate – once someone purchases a gift card you are guaranteed the face value of the gift card regardless of whether or no it is every redeemed in the future. Furthermore, businesses which offer such cards are able to create strong customer loyalty, enhance their image, capture customer information and track their purchase history.
On the other hand, custom gift cards enable customers to enjoy dedicated customer service, purchase certain items in a safer manner without needing any cash, and make sure that their money is spent where the giver intended. It is clear that many people appreciate the benefits of such cards and their popularity is only going to rise.
Business gift cards represent a great way to increase your business revenue while building up a loyal customer base helping you enhance and streamline your relationship with your customers. Business gift cards are an easy solution for businesses to implement and at the same time a great gift for those who receive them. The implementation and service costs for custom business gift cards are very low compared with the value they add to your business.
These cards can be used by consumers to purchase any products or services you offer for sale in your establishment. They are a great replacement of outdated paper gift certificates. Business gift cards are similar to cash cards, the funds assigned to them being subtracted each time purchase is made. Some merchants choose to substitute a return policy with a store credit only policy and use custom gift cards to store such credit to be used at a future date. This is a good way to keep as much cash in the business as possible at all times.
The business gift card is a great way of rewarding your employees for their performance throughout the year and to thank your customers for doing business with you. These business gift cards are meant to meet your company’s needs of offering gifts and they will certainly be appreciated by the receivers.
Author Resource:- Do you want to expand your business’ payment acceptance capabilities? Are you looking for an affordable way to build brand awareness while simultaneously increasing profits? Your best options are our business gift cards which can be ordered online and which will certainly add value to your business. Check out our custom gift cards and you will definitely find a gift card program that suits your needs.
Article From Article Press
Both customers and business owners benefit from custom gift cards. Most businesses enjoy custom gift cards because of the guaranteed revenue they generate – once someone purchases a gift card you are guaranteed the face value of the gift card regardless of whether or no it is every redeemed in the future. Furthermore, businesses which offer such cards are able to create strong customer loyalty, enhance their image, capture customer information and track their purchase history.
On the other hand, custom gift cards enable customers to enjoy dedicated customer service, purchase certain items in a safer manner without needing any cash, and make sure that their money is spent where the giver intended. It is clear that many people appreciate the benefits of such cards and their popularity is only going to rise.
Business gift cards represent a great way to increase your business revenue while building up a loyal customer base helping you enhance and streamline your relationship with your customers. Business gift cards are an easy solution for businesses to implement and at the same time a great gift for those who receive them. The implementation and service costs for custom business gift cards are very low compared with the value they add to your business.
These cards can be used by consumers to purchase any products or services you offer for sale in your establishment. They are a great replacement of outdated paper gift certificates. Business gift cards are similar to cash cards, the funds assigned to them being subtracted each time purchase is made. Some merchants choose to substitute a return policy with a store credit only policy and use custom gift cards to store such credit to be used at a future date. This is a good way to keep as much cash in the business as possible at all times.
The business gift card is a great way of rewarding your employees for their performance throughout the year and to thank your customers for doing business with you. These business gift cards are meant to meet your company’s needs of offering gifts and they will certainly be appreciated by the receivers.
Author Resource:- Do you want to expand your business’ payment acceptance capabilities? Are you looking for an affordable way to build brand awareness while simultaneously increasing profits? Your best options are our business gift cards which can be ordered online and which will certainly add value to your business. Check out our custom gift cards and you will definitely find a gift card program that suits your needs.
Article From Article Press
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