An Ontario family has endured a four-month ordeal to reclaim $300 lost to gift card fraud, revealing the disturbing realities of scams targeting unsuspecting shoppers.

Danielle Vanier from Lakefield, Ontario, expressed her frustration to CTV News Toronto, saying, "It’s just been a complete runaround." The trouble began when her father purchased gift cards for Sephora and Home Depot for the family as Christmas gifts.

However, the excitement turned to dismay when they attempted to use the cards, only to discover they had no balance. "Upon using the gift cards, we realized that none of them had a balance," Vanier explained.

The family provided receipts from Shoppers Drug Mart, where the cards were purchased, but instead of resolution, they found themselves caught in a frustrating cycle of finger-pointing between Shoppers and the retailers involved.

"It seems like people are passing the buck, and no one wants to take the time to investigate this," Vanier lamented. This sentiment highlights a common frustration many victims of gift card fraud experience.

Criminals employ various tactics for gift card fraud. They can easily copy card numbers and activation codes, reseal the packaging, or even use stickers with false barcodes—tricks that can leave buyers none the wiser.

Jeff Horncastle from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) advises vigilance, saying, "Make sure the gift card has not been tampered with in any way." He recommends buying gift cards displayed behind counters or online and saving receipts.

Using a credit card for gift card purchases can also offer an extra layer of protection in case fraud occurs, Horncastle suggested.

After months of frustration, Vanier just wanted her money back, expressing concern for vulnerable populations. "It’s a very elaborate scam, and I’m worried for seniors that they will be taken advantage of," she stated. "Light needs to be brought to this situation."

When reached for comment, a spokesperson from Shoppers Drug Mart apologized for the ordeal and acknowledged that gift card fraud is a significant issue affecting retailers. They stated, "Our store teams are trained to recognize tampering and fraudulent situations involving gift cards."

After thorough investigations, Shoppers Drug Mart and their gift card vendor resolved the issue by compensating Vanier’s family with $300 worth of Shoppers Drug Mart gift cards.

"It’s a relief to have this finally dealt with," Vanier remarked, bringing a bittersweet close to a frustrating chapter.