Letters: Beware of gift card tampering

I would like to warn everyone about the risk of gift cards that are on open displays in stores: Thieves remove the cards, scratch off the back to get the number and then replace the area with a silver strip that can easily be purchased online. The thief then checks the balance online, and when an unsuspecting customer comes along to purchase and activate the card, he spends the balance online.

This happened to me and my coworkers who purchased a card as a baby shower gift. I have replaced the funds so my coworker and his wife could enjoy the gift, but I have not been refunded. If anyone has had a similar experience I hope you will report it.