Thieves stole $228 million off gift cards last year through a crime called draining. It usually happens at stores with large gift card kiosks that are placed in open areas, but away from store employees. The crooks record gift card numbers and pins, but leave the physical card on the shelf. Then, when you buy the card activating the funds, they have all the information they need to steal your balance. MORE: https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/working-for-you/gift-card-draining-crime/509-8ddf084d-dcd8-457f-97f7-dc6159207621