The newest scam involves gift cards sold at stores and given as Christmas presents.

Gift cards are often displayed on racks in stores. Usually they come in several styles and they are not activated until you purchase them and give them a value.

However, scammers are writing down the numbers on the backs of these cards. They can then later call an 800 number to find out if the card has been activated and use the numbers to make purchases online, effectively using up the card before the recipient has a chance to even open his gift.

One way to combat this would be to have the cards set behind a counter or available only at the register from the clerk. If you buy a gift card this year, insist on one that has not been on a display rack where it was accessible to anyone wanting to record the numbers on it.