The consumer rights lawyers at Markoff Leinberger in Chicago, Illinois want to draw the public’s attention to the latest FBI alert regarding common fraud schemes: Secondary Gift Card Scams.

The consumer rights lawyers at Markoff Leinberger in Chicago, Illinois want to draw the public’s attention to the latest FBI alert regarding common fraud schemes: Secondary Gift Card Scams.

The Secondary Gift Card Market, according to the FBI, exists solely for consumers to buy and sell unused and unwanted gift cards. There are Internet sites for this service as well as in-store kiosks. Some pawn shops also buy and sell unwanted gift cards.

Here are three commons used gift card scams that are of growing concern to the FBI:

•  Used Gift Card Scam No. 1: Sellers or buyers dispute purchases after they already happen.
• Used Gift Card Scam No. 2: Consumers are directed to use gift cards to bid on fraudulent online auctions.
• Used Gift Card Scam No. 3: Buyers of online gift cards use the cards before their payment is actually processed, and then stop payment on that transaction.

The FBI is advising consumers to especially wary of gift card giveaways as well as discounted gift card websites.

If you or someone you love may have been the victim of this or another type of fraudulent crime targeting consumers, please contact our Chicago consumer lawyers today to schedule your free case consultation: 1 (888) 517-9115.