Checking your gift card balance should be a simple, secure process. However, scammers have created fraudulent websites that mimic legitimate balance-check pages to steal card information. This guide will help you verify your gift card balance safely using only official channels.

Step-by-Step: Safe Balance Checking

Step 1: Locate Official Information on Your Card

Every legitimate gift card includes official contact information. Look for:

• The official website URL printed on the back of the card
• A customer service phone number
• The brand's official logo and name
• Instructions for balance inquiries

Step 2: Type the URL Directly Into Your Browser

Do not search for the website using a search engine. Instead:

• Carefully type the exact URL printed on your card into your browser's address bar
• Double-check that you've typed it correctly
• Look for the secure lock icon in your browser's address bar
• Verify the URL matches exactly what's printed on your card

Step 3: Verify You're on the Official Website

Before entering any information, confirm the website is legitimate:

• Check that the URL matches the brand name exactly
• Look for proper SSL certification (https:// and lock icon)
• Verify the website design matches the brand's official appearance
• Be wary of excessive pop-ups, ads, or unusual requests for information

Step 4: Enter Your Card Information Securely

On the official balance-check page:

• Enter only the information requested (typically card number and PIN)
• The official site should not ask for personal information like your name, address, or Social Security number
• Never enter your card information on a site that asks for payment or additional verification

Step 5: Check Your Balance and Log Out

Once you've verified your balance:

• Take note of the remaining balance
• Do not save your card information in the browser
• Close the browser window when finished
• Keep your card and PIN secure for future use

Alternative Method: Phone Balance Check

Most gift cards also offer phone-based balance checking:

• Call the customer service number printed on your card
• Follow the automated prompts or speak with a representative
• Have your card number and PIN ready
• Never call numbers found through search engines—only use the number on the card

Identifying Legitimate vs. Fraudulent Balance-Check Sites

Signs of a Legitimate Site

• URL exactly matches the official brand website
• Secure connection (https://) with valid SSL certificate
• Professional design consistent with the brand
• Requests only card number and PIN—no personal information
• Clear privacy policy and contact information
• No intrusive advertising or pop-ups

Red Flags of Scam Sites

• URL doesn't match the official brand name or includes extra words
• Site appears in search results but isn't the official brand website
• Requests excessive information beyond card number and PIN
• Poor grammar, spelling errors, or unprofessional design
• Aggressive advertising or offers that seem too good to be true
• Requests for payment or asks you to purchase additional cards
• Pop-ups claiming your computer has a virus or security issue

Common Brands and Official Resources

While we always recommend using the information on your specific card, here are examples of what to look for on major gift card brands:

Retail Store Gift Cards

Major retailers typically provide balance checking at:

• Their official website's gift card section
• In-store at customer service desks
• Through their official mobile app
• Via phone at their customer service number

Visa, Mastercard, and American Express Gift Cards

Prepaid card brands usually include:

• A specific website URL printed on the card back
• A dedicated customer service number
• Online account access for registered cards

Restaurant and Entertainment Gift Cards

These cards typically offer:

• Balance checking on the brand's main website
• In-person balance inquiry at any location
• Phone-based automated systems

What to Do If You've Already Entered Information on a Suspicious Site

If you suspect you may have provided your gift card information to a fraudulent website:

• Immediately contact the gift card issuer using the official phone number on your card
• Report the fraudulent website and request that your card be monitored or replaced
• Check your card balance on the official site to see if unauthorized charges have been made
• File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint
• Consider reporting the fraudulent website to your browser's security team

Special Considerations for Online Gift Cards

If you received an electronic gift card via email:

• Verify the sender's email address matches the official brand
• Click only on links that go to the official brand website
• Be cautious of emails asking you to "verify" or "activate" the card
• When checking balance, manually type the official URL rather than clicking email links

Teaching Others About Safe Balance Checking

Help protect friends and family by sharing these tips:

• Explain that search results can include fraudulent websites
• Show them how to find official information on their gift cards
• Emphasize the importance of typing URLs directly into the browser
• Remind them that legitimate companies never request gift card payment

Summary: The Safe Way to Check Gift Card Balances

Remember these key principles:

• Always use only the official website or phone number printed on your gift card
• Never use websites found through search engines for balance checking
• Type URLs directly into your browser's address bar
• Verify you're on the correct, official website before entering any information
• Be suspicious of sites requesting personal information beyond card number and PIN
• When uncertain, check your balance in person at the retailer or call official customer service

By following these straightforward steps, you can safely check your gift card balance and avoid falling victim to scams designed to steal your card information.