BEFORE BUYING A GIFT CARD:
Hi there. If you are planning on getting a gift card online, please take the time to read this, especially if you are unsure, or if the seller has little or negative feedback, to see how you can protect youself. They are just some tips, and hopefully you will find them useful. If they are helpful to you, please click "YES", it has been helpful, located at the bottom. The more "Yes" hits it gets, the more it can help others.

• Most gift cards have a toll free number on the back so you can verify balance over the phone. It is 100% accurate and updated in "real time". Please be aware though, the system can glitch some times, and the information displayed might be inaccurate (usually when verifying over the phone). Some you can also check over the internet.
  

• Here are a some places that offer online balance verification:

             Petro Canada
             Swiss Chalet
             Chapters
             Starbucks
             Office Depot
             Fruits & Passion
             Via Rail

• The gift cards that can be redeemed online require the long unique number on the back to be entered, as well usually the PIN number. If the PIN number seal is scratched off, it's possible for anyone to use it online if they have copied the numbers before hand. 
  


• It's always recommended to verify the balance of the gift cards being sold, especially if they have little or negative feedback. 

• Most gift cards are for in-store use only, and not redeemable online. There are some exceptions though like Chapters, Futureshop, Amazon and the Swiss Chalet. Make sure you check the websites online policy, or gift card policy.
  

• Verify the expiration date of the gift card. It should mention the expiration on the back of the card. Most have a minimum 1-2 year expiration. If there is no expiration you can generally assume there is no expiry on the card.

• Make sure you do your research and ask how the gift cards were obtained. There have been cases where a stolen credit card was used to buy the gift card and when discovered the balances were canceled with little or no recourse for the buyer. It's always a good idea to do your homework and check references.

I hope this has been helpful. Shop safe everyone!