Some customers opened their cards to find scratched-off numbers or missing redemption codes, while at least one card had already been redeemed. Reported losses included cards worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. \u00a0<\/p>\n
The scam has resulted in at least one conviction, with court documents showing that Coles and NSW Police monitored a man accused of tampering with cards at several Sydney supermarkets.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When police searched his home and car in May 2025, they found dozens of Apple and iTunes cards. He was convicted in July 2025 after allegedly handling 61 cards worth more than $10,000.\u00a0<\/p>\n
How to protect yourself\u00a0<\/p>\n
Before buying a physical gift card, examine the packaging closely. Look for tears, bent edges, unusual glue, cuts, scratches, or signs that a seal has been lifted and reapplied.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Apple\u2019s newer packaging includes perforated edges that should reveal signs of opening. Never buy a card if the package appears damaged, even slightly. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Where possible, choose cards stored behind a service counter, rather than those on an open display. Keep the card, packaging, and purchase receipt.\u00a0<\/p>\n
If the card is a present, encourage the recipient to open and redeem it promptly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A digital gift card purchased through an official website may also reduce the risks associated with physical tampering.\u00a0<\/p>\n
If a card has missing details, a zero balance or has already been used, contact the retailer and card issuer immediately. Provide photographs, the receipt, activation information, and any packaging.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Report suspected fraud to Scamwatch\u00a0and, if money has been stolen, contact your financial institution and police. Acting quickly may improve the chance of limiting the damage, although recovery is not guaranteed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Gift cards feature in other scams too<\/a>. Anyone claiming to be from the government, police, a bank, or a technology company who demands payment with gift cards is a scammer.\u00a0<\/p>\n Also be wary of fake gift card giveaways, surveys, and social media promotions designed to steal personal or banking information. \u00a0<\/p>\n National Seniors Australia\u2019s Keep Scam SAFE<\/a> resources provide information about shopping, phishing, investment, impersonation, and remote-access scams, along with cyber-safety videos, banking resources and a downloadable scam-protection guide.\u00a0<\/p>\n