Shopping Online Much? Here Is The Gift Certificate Club aka The Discount Gift Cards Scam

How the scam works:

(with video below) We all love to get discounts and good deals on everything we purchase so there is no surprise that programs that help consumers save a dollar or two become popular instantly. Whether is about companies that sell gift cards or facilitate gift card exchanges, the saving aspect is critical in decision making. However, be careful of a new scam going around these days, the Gift Certificate Club aka Discount Gift Cards Scam. How does it work?

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Watch the video below to see the Discount Gift Cards Scam exposed:

Discount Gift Cards Scam Video

Let's say you are buying a gift certificate online. When the transaction is almost done and find yourself on the checkout page you are asked if you want to save $10 or $20 on that gift certificate. Naturally, you agree. Who wouldn't?

You are invited to press “Continue” and after that, you are required to type in your e-mail address into a box. Once you put your credit card number in as well, this step automatically signs you up for a membership for which you will be charged $10-$30 a month without knowing it.

Then, one day you find it on your credit card statement and call your credit card provider.

After figuring out who charged your credit card account, you call the ‘gift card' company and are told, in a congratulatory tone, that you are a member of a privileged Discount Gift Cards Club. You might have saved $10 earlier, but you've paid it back – and then some.

How to avoid the Discount Gift Cards Club scam:

If you buy gift cards on regular basis don't just press the “agree to the rules and regulations” button without reading the details – always carefully check the fine print. If you want to participate in rewards programs and gift cards are your thing, use only legitimate companies. One of the most trustworthy services out there is Swagbucks.com, which is the world's largest free online rewards program. You get paid by doing things online which you might do anyway, such as searching the web, discover products, take surveys, watch videos, or play games. You can also get free iTunes and Amazon cards. The company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. You can register for free HERE.

How to report the Discount Gift Cards Club scam:

Make your family and friends aware of this scam by sharing it on social media using the buttons provided. You can also officially report the scammers to the Federal Trade Commission using the link below:

Report To The FTC Here

How to protect yourself more:

If you want to be the first to find out the most notorious scams every week, feel free to subscribe to the Scam Detector newsletter here. You'll receive periodical emails and we promise not to spam. Last but not least, use the Comments section below to expose other scammers.

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