Discovering YOU Magazine July 2023 Issue | Page 55

BUSINESS MATTERS

* Only buy gift cards from trusted sources. If you're offered a deal that's too good to be true, like a big discount on a gift card, it's likely a scam or you're getting a fraudulent card.

* Store your gift cards securely and don't share gift card numbers or PINs with people you don't know.

If you think you have been scammed or see fraud happening, contact your local

law enforcement or the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint or via this toll-free number: 1-877-FTC-HELP. You can also report IRS impersonation scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, visit their website or call 800-366-4484.

The Retail Gift Card Association (RGCA) is the only nonprofit trade organization that represents the gift card industry. We have more than 100 of the world's top brands on our roster, and together our mission is to promote positive gift card experiences among shoppers.

More information about how to have amazing gift card experiences is available at GiftCardSafety.org. You can learn more about the gift card industry at www.thergca.org.

"* Check gift card packaging at the store and make sure the gift card hasn't been tampered with. Look for things like ripped or torn packaging or missing scratch-off material over the top of the PIN number. If something doesn't look right, pick another card and show the questionable card to a store associate."