The Rise of Gift Card Fraud is Escalating to New Levels

On By Robert D. Cobb
** FILE ** In this Jan. 10, 2008 file photo, a variety of retail gift cards are seen on a kiosk at a store in Santa Clara, Calif. Gift cards are once again expected to be the most-requested present for the season, the National Retail Federation said this week, even as total spending on them is expected to slip this year as shoppers search for better bargains among the deep discounts retailers are offering. People began spending their gift cards more on necessities last year, the group also said, a trend that is expected to intensify this year. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, file) ORG XMIT: NYBZ172

The popularity of gift cards has been on the rise […]