Consumers told: Be wary of fake gift cards

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and other field offices in Baguio City have issued a warning on the proliferation of gift cards purportedly from Golden ABC Stores Inc.

The said gift cards are offered as an item for promotional and marketing strategies, which may not be real and warranted.

The DTI had been advised by Golden ABC on the circulation of fake gift certificates and gift cards which their subsidiaries have been receiving recently from customers as payment of purchases.

The gift certificates and gift cards come in 500 pesos and 1000 peso denominations, and copies of samples that have been furnished the DTI include cards and certificates for the establishments Memo, Regatta, Penshoppe, Oxygen and For Me.

DTI regional director Myrna Pablo advised the public to be prudent in transacting with individuals or groups which offer such certificates as these will not be honored by Golden ABC and its companies and boutiques.

Pablo appealed to the public to help put a stop to the circulation of fake GCs by reporting any information on the people distributing or selling these GCs to the nearest DTI office. (Art Tibaldo)