(Photo By Flickr User 401(K) 2012)

The Better Business Bureau claims they receive hundreds of complaints about gift card purchases every year, and some consumers have reported problems with sites that sell gift cards online.

The BBB encourages consumers to be sure that the website where they buy gift cards are secure.

Also be sure to check the packaging and any security seals to be sure they are intact and haven’t been broken when buying gift cards in stores.

Here are some more tips from the BBB when it comes to buying and using gift cards:

-Be cautious about buying gift cards from online auctions because it is virtually impossible to tell whether the cards have any value remaining, to determine whether they’ve been tampered with or to see if they’ve expired.
-Check the fine print to see if there are fees associated with the card. Some typical fees could include transaction fees or inactivity fees. In some cases, an organization may charge a service fee to issue the card or a replacement card.
-See if the card has an expiration date. In some cases, the card may expire before the five-year redemption period. Are there fees to obtain a new card?
-Check the terms and conditions on a gift card. If you are giving a card to someone who wants to shop online, make sure it can be used that way and not just in a store.
-Consider the financial condition of the retailer. If you think the store may be on shaky footing, you may want to pass on buying a card.
-Consumers can learn how to protect themselves or find BBB Business Profiles and BBB Charity Reviews by calling 888-996-3887 or by going online to bbb.org.

(Information Courtesy Of WGEM-TV)