4 ms·

Scammers wipe gift cards clean minutes after purchase

mdrzn 5y ago
Do they keep trying codes until one become "active" and then redeem them? How do they "get the codes" and "wait for activation"?
- JudasGoat 5y ago
  I don't see how this would be possible without having access to Target's inventory system.
  - errcorrectcode 5y ago
    I'm thinking it's likely an inside job (i.e., Target or vendor employees) or possibly parking lot broken WiFi password packet sniffing. Also recall the POS malware incident in late 2013 was due to Target's and vendor's negligence in secrets management. This shows a history. I seriously doubt it was Apple's doing because of how diligent they tend to be. He's not going to get anywhere with corporate mutual finger-pointing like kids and missing cookies. If it's not about the money, why doesn't he consult an attorney for advice (rarely expensive) and/or take Target to small claims court?
  - anthonygd 5y ago
    My assumption is that Apple exposes an API or page that can validate a gift card. If someone physically sees that card at Target and is then able to poll Apple with the number, that could go a long way towards enabling a scam. All the scammer needs is some automated mechanism to test whether a card has been activated. Could be as simple as a balance checking service that either gives a dollar amount or an error code indicating the card isn't active.
  - icedchai 5y ago
    It's probably a lot simpler than this. Scammer shoplifts the inactivated cards, writes down the numbers / pins (or maybe scans them), then brings them back to the store and puts them back on the rack. Then they just wait.
zachaden 5y ago
It is an alarming situation as even the two big companies can't do anything about it. Especially this coming Christmas, expect that there will be many people buying gift cards from these stores, and there will be many victims in regards to this scam.
- yummypaint 5y ago
  They have little reason to care other than brand damage. They have managed to resist returning people's money so far, and most people who fall victim to this likely won't seek restitution or be able to. Income is income. I seriously doubt the class action will approach justice especially once legal fees are deducted.

Do they keep trying codes until one become "active" and then redeem them? How do they "get the codes" and "wait for activation"?

JudasGoat 5y ago
I don't see how this would be possible without having access to Target's inventory system.
- errcorrectcode 5y ago
  I'm thinking it's likely an inside job (i.e., Target or vendor employees) or possibly parking lot broken WiFi password packet sniffing. Also recall the POS malware incident in late 2013 was due to Target's and vendor's negligence in secrets management. This shows a history. I seriously doubt it was Apple's doing because of how diligent they tend to be. He's not going to get anywhere with corporate mutual finger-pointing like kids and missing cookies. If it's not about the money, why doesn't he consult an attorney for advice (rarely expensive) and/or take Target to small claims court?
- anthonygd 5y ago
  My assumption is that Apple exposes an API or page that can validate a gift card. If someone physically sees that card at Target and is then able to poll Apple with the number, that could go a long way towards enabling a scam. All the scammer needs is some automated mechanism to test whether a card has been activated. Could be as simple as a balance checking service that either gives a dollar amount or an error code indicating the card isn't active.
- icedchai 5y ago
  It's probably a lot simpler than this. Scammer shoplifts the inactivated cards, writes down the numbers / pins (or maybe scans them), then brings them back to the store and puts them back on the rack. Then they just wait.

zachaden 5y ago

It is an alarming situation as even the two big companies can't do anything about it. Especially this coming Christmas, expect that there will be many people buying gift cards from these stores, and there will be many victims in regards to this scam.

yummypaint 5y ago
They have little reason to care other than brand damage. They have managed to resist returning people's money so far, and most people who fall victim to this likely won't seek restitution or be able to. Income is income. I seriously doubt the class action will approach justice especially once legal fees are deducted.