Nassau County Deputy Presiding Officer Roger Corbin (D-Westbury) encouraged residents today to be aware of a few simple tips they can use to ensure that they do not fall victim to a gift card scam this holiday season.

"The holiday season can be a wonderful time of year for giving gifts to friends and families," Corbin said. "But with the giving spirit come people looking to exploit it, and gift cards, a popular and convenient present, provide just such an opportunity."

• Purchase gift cards only from reputable sources, preferably directly from the store;

• Examine both sides of the card, keeping an eye out for signs of tampering and/or exposure of the card's PINs. Refuse to purchase cards where either is present;

• If acquiring cards online, buy them directly from the online versions of the stores they are to be used in, never auction sites;

• Keep your receipt as proof of purchase;

• Reputable companies will never give out Social Security numbers, bank account information or dates of birth; and

• If possible, register your gift card at the store's website. Doing so allows you to periodically check your card's balance and monitor for any misuse of the card.

"By following these easy-to-follow steps, you can ensure that your gift card purchase will be a welcomed gift," Corbin said.