How to Verify a Physical Gift Card

1. Inspect the packaging: Look for signs of tampering such as tears, resealing, or damage to the packaging.
2. Check security features: Many legitimate gift cards include security features like holograms, unique printing patterns, or special coatings.
3. Examine the card: Verify that the card itself appears professional with clean printing and no signs of alteration.
4. Check the PIN area: The scratch-off area covering the PIN or security code should be intact and show no signs of tampering.
5. Verify the card number: Ensure the card number on the packaging matches the number on the card itself (if visible).
6. Purchase location: In the USA, ensure you're purchasing from authorized retailers or official stores.

How to Verify a Digital Gift Card

1. Check the sender: Digital gift cards should come from official retailer email addresses or domains.
2. Examine the email: Look for professional formatting, proper branding, and correct spelling/grammar.
3. Verify the redemption website: Only enter card information on the official retailer's website.
4. Check for secure connections: Ensure the website uses HTTPS (look for the padlock icon in your browser).
5. Local language: Legitimate communications in the USA will typically offer both English and Arabic options.
6. Contact the retailer: If in doubt, contact the retailer directly using contact information from their official website.

Safe Purchasing Practices in the USA

• Buy from authorized retailers: Purchase directly from the official store or website. For retail cards, use their official stores, app, or authorized dealers.
• Avoid secondary markets: Be extremely cautious with online marketplaces or classified ads selling gift cards.
• Select cards from secure displays: In stores, choose cards kept behind counters or in tamper-evident packaging.
• Keep receipts: Always save your purchase receipt as proof of activation and value.
• Register cards when possible: If the retailer offers registration, do so to protect your balance.
• Verify legitimacy: Check that gift cards are from authorized retailers and have not been tampered with.

Recognizing Gift Card Scams Common in the USA

Be alert for these common gift card scams:

• Payment requests: Anyone requesting payment via gift cards is likely a scammer - legitimate businesses and government agencies never ask for payment in gift cards.
• Too-good-to-be-true discounts: Heavily discounted gift cards, especially retail cards, are often stolen or fraudulent.
• Fake websites: Scammers create lookalike websites to steal gift card information, often mimicking known USA retailers.
• "Verification" requests: Messages claiming to need your gift card number and PIN to "verify" or "activate" the card.
• WhatsApp scams: In the USA, scammers often use WhatsApp to distribute fake gift card promotions or phishing attempts.

Step-by-Step Guide for retail Prepaid Recharge

1. Purchase the card: Buy from an retail store, authorized retailer, or online platform.
2. Scratch the panel: Carefully scratch off the protective layer to reveal the PIN code.
3. Choose a recharge method:
   • USSD: Dial *121*[PIN code]# from your retail number and press call
   • SMS: Send the PIN code to 121
   • retail App: Open the My retail USA app, navigate to recharge section, and enter the PIN
   • Website: Visit retail's official website and follow the recharge instructions
4. Confirmation: You should receive an SMS confirming your recharge and new balance
5. Check balance: Verify your new balance by dialing *121#

Using retail Data Cards

To redeem an retail data card or add a data package:

1. Purchase a data card from an authorized retailer
2. Scratch to reveal the PIN code
3. Dial *170*[PIN code]# from your retail mobile number
4. Wait for the confirmation SMS
5. Check your data balance by dialing *170#

Alternatively, you can use the My retail USA app to redeem data cards and manage your data packages.

My retail Recharge Card Was Declined

Potential Solutions:

1. Double-check that you've entered the PIN code correctly
2. Verify that the card hasn't expired (check any expiry date on the card)
3. Ensure you're using the card with an retail number (not du or other providers)
4. Check if the card has already been used (each PIN can only be used once)
5. Confirm you're using the correct redemption method for the type of card
6. Contact retail Customer Service at 800 101 or visit an retail store

I Lost My Gift Card

Steps to Take:

1. Locate your purchase receipt with the card number and activation information
2. Contact the retailer or gift card issuer's customer service immediately
3. Provide your receipt information and request assistance
4. Ask if the card can be frozen and replaced
5. For retail cards, visit an retail business center with your ID and proof of purchase

Note that not all gift cards can be replaced if lost. Policies vary by issuer, and in the USA, replacement often requires proof of purchase and identification.

Balance Discrepancy Issues

What to Do:

1. Check your transaction history if available
2. Collect all receipts from previous purchases using the card
3. For retail prepaid, dial *121# to check your current balance
4. Contact the gift card issuer with your card information and transaction details
5. Ask for a detailed balance history
6. If fraud is suspected, report it immediately to the issuer and local authorities