Gift Card Scam

MYFOXNY.COM - Consumers should be aware of a slick scam involving those popular gift cards sold at stores everywhere.

A New York City man, Jim Nionakis, called Fox 5 News when he bought American Express gift cards at a Duane Reade, but the cards were never activated.

Duane Reade and Amex explain that it happens when a scammer pulls off a kind of switcheroo with the gift cards in the store.

Nionakis eventually got his money back, but he says it really took some doing, and an inquiry from Fox 5, to get a refund.

Amex says if you're the victim of fraud, call the toll-free number on the back of the card and let a customer service rep help you get your money back.

No matter where you buy a gift card or what brand it is, take an extra close look before you buy it. If the packaging looks tampered with, don't buy it.