A carefully orchestrated “gift card draining” scam, targeting over 200 CVS stores across California, has been revealed by police. Two men from the San Gabriel Valley allegedly accessed funds from activated gift cards, shedding light on a new layer of consumer vulnerability.
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CVS stores used in elaborate California ‘gift card draining’ scam: Police
Photo by Ktla5
Key Takeaways:
- A “gift card draining” scam was discovered by police.
- More than 200 California CVS stores were affected.
- Two suspects from the San Gabriel Valley were identified.
- The individuals were spotted in August, according to officials.
- Police announced their findings on a Tuesday.
Background on the Scam
A recently disclosed “gift card draining” operation has brought attention to vulnerabilities in gift card purchases at CVS stores throughout California. According to law enforcement, the scheme allowed two individuals to access funds from activated gift cards after they were legitimately sold to unsuspecting customers.
Scope of the Impact
Police say more than 200 CVS stores fell victim to this elaborate plot, indicating a widespread reach across the state. While details about how the suspects obtained or manipulated the cards remain limited, authorities note that the scale of the scam raises concerns about consumer safety and retail security.
Suspects Identified
Investigators identified two men from the San Gabriel Valley as key figures in the scam:
| Name | Age | City |
|---|---|---|
| Yongsheng Zhao | 29 | El Monte |
| Zhipeng Li | 33 | Monterey Park |
Officials first spotted these individuals in August. Police have not released further specifics regarding how or where they were observed, other than confirming the discovery of their alleged involvement around that time.
Police Statement
Law enforcement announced the scam findings on a Tuesday, cautioning the public about potential vulnerabilities in gift card transactions. The statement underscores the sophisticated approach used by the suspects, suggesting advance planning and extensive knowledge of retail processes.
Looking Ahead
While the full extent of the scam’s financial impact remains unclear, police are urging consumers and retailers to stay vigilant. The case serves as a reminder that even widely trusted shopping outlets can become targets of elaborate criminal operations. Additional details may emerge as authorities continue their investigation into how and why more than 200 CVS stores were affected.
