Amazon is one of the most popular online shopping platforms available. One of the best gifts to get someone is an Amazon gift card, especially if you don’t know what to buy.
But are Amazon gift cards safe to purchase and use? I asked the same question, so I looked into it further. Here’s everything I discovered about Amazon gift cards!
Are Amazon Gift Cards Safe In [currentyear]?
When shopping online, it’s easy to feel safe because of the security features of Amazon gift cards in [currentyear]. These 16-digit numbers and expiration dates protect your data, so you don’t have to worry about scammers. When taking precautions while storing gift cards and regularly reviewing accounts, shoppers can further ensure the safety of Amazon gift cards.
Keep reading to discover more tips about keeping Amazon gift cards safe, including what to do if your card is lost or stolen!
How Secure Are Amazon E-Gift Cards?
When using an e-Gift card, rest assured they are just as secure as physical Amazon gift cards and have the same security features.
In addition, Amazon emails them to the email address Amazon has on file, which is another level of security.
What Are The Risks Of Using Amazon Gift Cards?
The main risk of using Amazon gift cards is that they can be lost or stolen. If this happens, someone else may be able to use the card and make unauthorized purchases.
Further, another risk is that shoppers can be scammed with fake Amazon gift cards.
That said, this is why it’s essential to be aware of the signs of a counterfeit card and to report any suspicious activity to customer service right away.
Overall, Amazon gift cards are safe to use as long as you take precautions to protect them. By following the tips above, you can help reduce the risks associated with using these cards.
What Security Features Do Amazon Gift Cards Have?
Amazon gift cards are relatively safe since they have a few security features.
Unique 16-Digit Code
Each card has a unique 16-digit number printed on the front, which is required for anyone who wants to use the card, so it helps to prevent fraud.
CVV Code
In addition, Amazon gift cards have a hidden three-digit code called a CVV (card verification value).
With that, this code is used to verify that the person using the card is the rightful owner.
Expiration Date
Finally, Amazon gift cards expire 12 months after they are activated, helping ensure old or unused cards don’t fall into the wrong hands and get used for fraudulent purposes.
Overall, these security features make Amazon gift cards reasonably safe to use. However, it’s still important to be cautious when using them and report any suspicious activity to customer service.
Can Shoppers Be Scammed With Amazon Gift Cards?
Yes, shoppers can be scammed with Amazon gift cards. That said, several commonly seen gift card scams are:
Social Security/Identity Theft
Remember, the Social Security Administration does not demand payment using any form of currency, including gift cards or prepaid debit cards.
Therefore, when you receive a call from someone claiming to be with the SSA, and they request cash payments over phone lines in exchange for an increase on your benefits- it’s suspicious!
Moreover, immediately report them to the Social Security Office of the Inspector General.
Job Offer
When a position is open at Amazon, it can be found on Amazon Jobs and job board sites like Indeed. However, there is no need to pay an initiation fee or purchase equipment via gift card.
Boss Scams
In general, boss scams claim they are a higher up in a company unable to make a purchase.
Then, they ask you to send them money in the form of gift cards that will be used for some necessary company purchases.
Fake Product Listings Or Sellers
To avoid being scammed, always make sure you’re dealing with a legitimate seller. For example, be wary of any deals that seem too good to be true or expensive for what they deliver.
Also, some sellers may claim they need an instant payment via gift card because their finances are tight, leaving them no time left before closing down shop forever!
However, legitimate Amazon products and sellers only occur on the Amazon website.
Family Emergency
Many law enforcement agencies and the Federal Trade Commission warned consumers to beware of this common scheme.
For example, some callers try to impersonate your family members or someone looking for a family member that needs a gift card because an emergency came up.
That said, if you receive an unsolicited email or phone call, contact your relative immediately using either a landline number known by him/her to verify the request.
Fake Contact From Amazon
Frequently you see text messages that say that you have won a gift card to Amazon. Before clicking on the link, be sure that it was sent from Amazon.
For example, when Amazon sends a text message, look for the code: 455-72. Also, in the body of the message, you should see something that looks like this:
From: John Doe – Congratulations! – https://www.amazon.com/g/EXAMPLEOFCLAIMCODE.
Further, you can find more examples of commonly used gift card scams here.
How Can Shoppers Protect Themselves From Gift Card Scams?
Here are a few steps shoppers can use to protect themselves from this type of fraud.
Don’t Give Out Card Information
First, never give out your Amazon gift card number to anyone. If someone asks for it, they may be trying to scam you.
Keep In A Secure Location
Second, keep your Amazon gift card in a safe place. If you lose it, report it immediately to customer service so they can cancel the card and issue you a new one.
Regularly Review Your Amazon Account
Finally, check your Amazon account regularly to ensure no unauthorized charges. If you see anything suspicious, contact customer service right away.
By following these simple tips, you can help keep your Amazon gift card safe from scams.
What Should You Do If Your Amazon Gift Card Is Lost Or Stolen?
If your Amazon gift card is lost or stolen, you should report it immediately to customer service, as they will cancel the old card and issue you a new one.
In addition, be sure to check your Amazon account regularly for any unauthorized charges.
If you see anything suspicious, contact customer service right away so they can investigate the situation.
To know more, you can also read our posts on what stores sell Amazon gift cards, Amazon gift cards not working, and Amazon gift card not yet sent.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Amazon gift cards are a safe and convenient way to make purchases. Just be sure to keep your card safe by guarding the code and only sharing with trusted individuals.
And if you do happen to fall victim to a scam, don’t worry! Amazon Customer service is there to help.
