Kingston Police warn public of gift card fraud in the area

The Kingston Police wish to inform the public about ongoing gift card tampering incidents happening throughout the Kingston area.

Gift card tampering typically involves offenders removing gift cards from store displays, copying or replacing the barcode or card details, and returning the cards to shelves. When an unsuspecting customer later purchases and activates the card, the funds are immediately transferred to the offender. Consumers will likely not realize the gift card has been compromised until the recipient attempts to use it.

When purchasing a gift card, always carefully inspect the card before purchase and avoid cards that show any signs of tampering. This includes scratches or damage to the PIN covering, altered, peeling or mismatched barcodes, and cards not secured in protective packaging.  

To further protect yourself from gift card tampering, Kingston Police encourage the public to purchase gift cards from behind the counter or locked displays when possible, avoid purchasing cards with obvious tampering, and always keep the purchase receipt.

These types of fraud occur throughout the year; however, they are often more prevalent during the holiday season. This serves as a reminder for residents to remain vigilant.

If you believe you have been impacted by this type of scam, individuals are encouraged to file a police report either by calling 613-549-4660 ext. “0” or by utilizing our online reporting tool which can be found at www.kingstonpolice.ca.