What to Do If You Purchase a Gift Card and It Is Already Redeemed

What to Do If You Purchase a Gift Card and It Is Already Redeemed

Gift cards have become one of the most popular ways to shop, send gifts, or even pay for services. They’re convenient, widely available, and often feel safer than carrying cash. But what happens when you purchase a gift card either from a store, online, or a reseller only to discover that the card has already been redeemed by someone else?

Sadly, this problem is more common than people realize. Whether you bought the gift card for yourself or as a present, realizing it’s empty can be frustrating and financially painful. The good news is, depending on where and how you bought it, you may still be able to get your money back or have the issue resolved.

This guide will walk you through:

• Why this happens

• What to do immediately

• Who to contact

• How to report fraud

• And how to protect yourself from buying compromised gift cards in the future.

Why Was Your Gift Card Already Redeemed?

Before we dive into solutions, it’s important to understand how this scam or error happens.

1. Tampered cards at retail stores:
   Thieves sometimes remove gift cards from racks, record the numbers & PINs, and wait for the cards to be activated after a purchase. Once active, they quickly drain the funds before the rightful buyer can use them.

2. Buying from unauthorized sellers:
   Purchasing gift cards from online marketplaces, social media, or strangers can be risky. Many scammers sell already-used or fake cards.

3. Clerical or system errors:
   In some cases, it could be a genuine error by the retailer or due to technical glitches in the gift card system.

4. Stolen codes:
   If someone has hacked a database or intercepted online communications, the card numbers might already be compromised.

What to Do Immediately If Your Gift Card is Already Redeemed

Time matters. As soon as you find out your gift card has a zero balance or is invalid:

✅ Stop trying to use it repeatedly.
Multiple failed attempts might make it harder to investigate later.

✅ Gather all your purchase information.
This includes:

• The physical card (front and back)

• The original purchase receipt

• Any email confirmations (if bought online)

• Packaging or activation slips

✅ Take clear photos.
Photograph both sides of the card, your receipts, and any error messages you see.

Contact the Place Where You Bought the Card

contacting the appropriate support agencies will help your in resolving the issue

If you bought it from a store (like Walmart, Target, CVS, Shoprite, or others):

• Go back to the same location immediately with your card and receipt.

• Explain the situation and show proof that the card was already redeemed.

• Many major retailers have policies to issue refunds or replace compromised cards if reported quickly.

If you bought it online:

• Contact the customer support of the website where you purchased the card.

• Provide your order number, screenshots of the gift card details, and the problem you’re facing.

If you bought from a third-party marketplace (like eBay or someone on social media):

• Unfortunately, this is the riskiest situation. Most marketplaces have limited protections. Open a dispute or claim immediately.

• For eBay, open a case through the Resolution Center.

• For Facebook Marketplace or WhatsApp deals, it’s often lost money — but still worth reporting to the platform.

Contact the Gift Card Issuer

If the retailer doesn’t resolve it, go to the company that issued the card. Each has a process to investigate fraud or errors.

Here are links and contact details for common issuers:

Be ready to provide:

• The card number and PIN

• Your original receipt

• When and where you purchased it

• Any case or reference numbers from previous contacts

If their investigation finds that your card was fraudulently redeemed, they may issue a replacement. But be aware: results vary widely.

Report to Consumer Protection Agencies

Even if you can’t get your money back, reporting helps stop scammers. It also creates a record that can support class action lawsuits or future recovery efforts.

United States

• FTC (Federal Trade Commission)
  File at reportfraud.ftc.gov

• State Attorney General’s Office
  Each state has a consumer division. Look up your state + “attorney general consumer complaint.”

• Better Business Bureau (BBB)
  Especially if the retailer is not cooperating. bbb.org

Canada

• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
  antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca

UK

• Action Fraud
  actionfraud.police.uk

Australia

• Scamwatch (ACCC)
  scamwatch.gov.au

Nigeria

• Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC)
  fccpc.gov.ng

• EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission)
  efccnigeria.org

What If You Bought It With a Credit Card?

If you paid for the gift card with your credit card (or even a debit card), contact your bank or card provider immediately and dispute the transaction as unauthorized or fraudulent.

Visa, Mastercard, and other card networks often have consumer protections (chargebacks) that may refund you if you prove fraud.

How to Avoid This Happening Again

✅ Buy gift cards directly from the issuer’s official website or from trusted retailers (at the counter, not open racks).

✅ Inspect physical cards carefully.

• Check for scratched-off PINs, damaged packaging, or resealed security labels.

✅ Keep your receipt.
It’s your primary proof for disputes.

✅ Avoid online marketplace sellers or individuals on social media offering “discounted” gift cards.

✅ Register your card online if the issuer provides this option. This can sometimes add an extra layer of protection.

Final Words: Stay Proactive

A gift card that’s already redeemed doesn’t always mean your money is gone forever — but it requires quick action. Start by going back to the retailer where you bought it, then escalate to the card issuer. Report to consumer agencies so they can investigate larger patterns.

By being vigilant and knowing how to act, you can protect yourself from this increasingly common type of scam.

✅ Found this guide helpful?
Share it to help friends and family avoid falling victim to compromised gift cards.