
Whenever Christmas is around the corner, one of many things it means is gift shopping! But let’s face it, finding the perfect gift can be stressful. What if they don’t...
Amazon gift cards are one of the most popular and convenient ways to shop online. However, their widespread use has also led to an increase in scams, including counterfeit physical cards and fake digital receipts.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), nearly 40,000 people reported losing a total of $148 million to gift card scams in the first nine months of 2021 alone.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of Amazon gift cards and receipts, and provide practical tips on how to distinguish authentic ones from fake or altered versions.
There are 3 types of Amazon gift cards. Each of which you can redeem at any given time but they have different features. Let’s talk about them:
A physical Amazon gift card is a tangible card, similar in size and shape to a credit card, that you can hold in your hand. It’s pre-loaded with a set amount of money and can be used as payment on Amazon. These cards are typically sold in stores and can be given as gifts in person. They come in various designs and denominations, often ranging from $5 to $500.
A virtual Amazon gift card exists only digitally. Instead of a physical card, you receive a code, usually sent via email. This code can be redeemed on Amazon to add credit to your account. Virtual gift cards are a convenient choice for quick, hassle-free gifting.
A customized Amazon gift card is a type that enables you to choose the design of the card (often themed for special occasions like birthdays or holidays) and include a personalized message for the recipient. It can be either physical or digital, which can range from small to large amounts.
This type of Amazon card receipt already explains what it means via the name. It’s basically the receipt you get after you purchase an Amazon gift card with cash. The details contained in the receipt will include your name, the price, and the date of purchase.
You will be given this receipt only when you buy an Amazon gift card with a credit/debit card. Note that you can also exchange both Amazon Cash Receipts and Debit/Credit Receipts for cash on NOSH.
Here’s how you can identify the different types of Amazon gift cards and receipts:
A genuine Amazon gift card, both physical, digital, or customized, will always display the official Amazon logo. Physical cards have the logo printed on them, while digital and customized cards include it in the email. If the logo is missing or looks altered, the card may not be legitimate.
All Amazon gift cards have a 16-digit number used for redemption. On physical cards, this number is printed on the back, while digital cards display it in the email. Customized gift cards follow the same format. Amazon Cash and Debit/Credit receipts also include a reference number for verification. If the number is missing or incorrect, the card might not be valid.
The activation code is required to use an Amazon gift card. Physical cards have this code hidden under a scratch-off seal, while digital cards provide it in the email. Receipts for Amazon Cash and Debit/Credit transactions also include activation details. If the code is missing or exposed, the card may have already been used or could be fake.
Redeeming an Amazon gift card can be done both in-store and online, just as you can buy the gift cards. If you have a physical Amazon gift card, you can use it at checkout, and the cashier will deduct the total amount from the card balance. However, Amazon gift cards cannot be used for cash withdrawals.
For online purchases, you can redeem your virtual Amazon gift card by entering the card details in the payment section on the Amazon website. Once applied, the balance will be deducted from your total purchase. Keep in mind that Amazon gift cards can only be used on Amazon stores and cannot be used at other retailers.
In Nigeria, another option for redeeming an Amazon gift card is to convert it to naira. Nosh allows users to sell Amazon gift cards at competitive rates, a very convenient way to access the card’s value in local currency.
I will always advise all gift card traders to check your gift card’s balance before proceeding with a purchase. It will help you plan ahead and avoid any heartbreak.
Scroll to the menu and tap on your username.
4. Select the Gift Cards section.
5. Click on View Gift Card Balance and Activity.
Gift card scams are becoming more sophisticated, fraudsters use tactics to trick buyers into purchasing fake or tampered cards. Knowing how to spot a real Amazon gift card will save you from scams and losing money.
Once you can confidently tell the difference between a real Amazon gift card and a counterfeit, buying or selling becomes much easier and stress-free. If you’re looking to sell your Amazon gift card for cash, get the best rates on Nosh today.
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