Gift card scams | How to avoid [Video]

ATLANTA — Scammers are finding new ways to get your hard-earned money this holiday season.

That’s why the Better Business Bureau is sounding the alarm when it comes to gift card scams.

“Gift cards are untraceable. Once you send that money out, it’s gone,” Simone Williams with the Atlanta BBB said.

It’s a high-pressure con that’s already robbed consumers of nearly $700 million this year alone. Williams explained to 11Alive that several scams involve online sales and even made-up legal issues.

“These scammers are calling people and saying you have a warrant, and then to get out of it or to address it, you can pay by gift card only,” she said.

Over 200,000 people reported being scammed out of gift cards to the Federal Trade Commission and the BBB …