How do I make sure BB/FS Gift Card Isn't stolen

[jackwest]

I want to do a transaction by buying a BB/FS Gift card from Craigslist.

This is pretty much scammer haven. If you ever want to find a scammer you can just contact anyone who is selling a GC on craigslist. But there *might* be a few genuine people.

Can anyone comment on what can be done to pretty make sure this is impossible. I'm looking for someone with law/BB/FS/GC experience who can prevent these scenarios:

1. Bogus GC (This is fairly easy)
2. Stolen GC (can they take my stuff back?)
3. Cancelling GC afterwards and reusing it again and again in a scam

[jcon]

Typically you can call the 1-800 on the card to see if it's legit or not, and if the balance is accurate.

I would do this in front of the 'seller' before completing the transaction.

Was it stolen? Much more difficult to prove one way or another.

[jackwest]

Again, the purpose of my post was to ask if there was a way of dealing with more creative scamming. Balance check is easy.

What if:

1. The card is stolen. Since it is stolen property, it and all proceeds must be returned to the original owner.
2. The scammer, minutes after taking my cash, calls in and says the card is stolen, and gets a new one. My card is dead.

[XShadowX]

Again, the purpose of my post was to ask if there was a way of dealing with more creative scamming. Balance check is easy.

What if:

1. The card is stolen. Since it is stolen property, it and all proceeds must be returned to the original owner.
2. The scammer, minutes after taking my cash, calls in and says the card is stolen, and gets a new one. My card is dead.


FS/BB is not Responsible for lost/Stolen Gift card. So reporting it or calling shouldn't work.

[cdndigitalartist]

Again, the purpose of my post was to ask if there was a way of dealing with more creative scamming. Balance check is easy.

What if:

1. The card is stolen. Since it is stolen property, it and all proceeds must be returned to the original owner.
2. The scammer, minutes after taking my cash, calls in and says the card is stolen, and gets a new one. My card is dead.

What is the monetary value of this gift card you are wanting to buy on Craigslist ? Most Canada Safeway locations now carry a MASSIVE number of gift cards for a wide variety of denominations and stores. Why not get it there instead of dealing with this hassle on Craigslist ?

As to your question, well....there is always a risk of buying stolen items on Craigslist. That's the chance you take every time but it can be minimized.

As for somebody "canceling" a gift card, as far as I know - it can't be done.
In fact, your greater risk for buying a gift card on line would be getting one that has expired. The rules are changing to prevent this but some of the older gift cards have expiry dates on them.

Good luck !!

[Stunt_101]

if you're so worried that you need to make a thread, then why even bother about thinking of buying off of cl? u even said cl is a scammer haven...just buy it on rfd from people with feedback

[jackwest]

Because if I know what I'm doing the risks become small.

Is anyone selling 2k in gift cards and willing to sell for 90 cents on the dollar?

[Sprite09]

If it is a large amount make person go to store with you at purchase. They'll have him on camera, and at the store the card will get approved, declined, etc.


Other than that, get persons ID and address? Can you even report this as fraud?

[boosted]

I sold many giftcards on craiglist before (best way to recover cash, people on forums ask for too mcuh discount)

and all I do is meet the people at bestbuy and go thru customer service to verify.

[gwu]

I sold many giftcards on craiglist before (best way to recover cash, people on forums ask for too mcuh discount)

and all I do is meet the people at bestbuy and go thru customer service to verify.

+1

It's the best possible scenario:
Buyer is satisfied because he/she can see the Cashier check it right in front of them.
Seller is relatively safe because it's out in the open, lots of people around, and not in some dark alley.