[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Was the security number scratched off, if so this is a common problem, the thief goes to the store records the 16 digit number on the card, and then removed the security cover on the security number, now somehow, they are able to determine when the card is activated, then they have all of the info to use the card. This has been going on for a long time and is the main reason i will not buy a card at a store. I am going to guess you will have a hard time getting reimbursed.

Not sure if gasoline gift cards have security numbers or not but with gas gift cards you need to physically put them into the reader so I don't believe just having the codes would do you any good as you can't manually enter the gas card number at a pump just as with credit cards. You need the physical card at a gas pump or inside the store. That's how SHELL worked anyway as a place I worked would always provide me with Shell gift cards. Most other cards that is definitely a long running major scam as is skimming at the gas pump but skimming a gas gift card does no good, skimming a credit card at a gas station is different. IMO the Publix cashier swapped their own used card for a new one because they keep boxes of them under the counter for these promos and have plenty of time to switch it out.