Stolen Gift Card!

[asmog]

My daughter received a $50 gift card for graduation and tried to use it at the store tonight.  She removed the backing to reveal the gc number and pin at the register but was told that the transaction was declined. We called the number on the back of the card and the customer service representative told us the card had a zero balance and was used June 11 online for two transactions-- $40 and $10.  She would not give us any further information regarding who or what was purchased and advised us to let the card giver know so they could take it up with their credit card company. 

In looking online and in this forum, it appears this is a very common occurence. But how can these cards be used online without the number and pin??? The scratch off coating on our card was perfectly intact.  Is the information available to the cashier when it is purchased?

[DaneeBT]

@asmog I'm so sorry we don't have further insight into this! If you haven't already done so, please reach out to the person who gifted you the card. Thank you. 

[asmog]

Yes, that seems to be the standard response from Sephora despite this being a very prevalent and widespread issue.  A quick Google search will show how frequently this occurs. Sephora gift cards are clearly NOT SECURE and should NEVER BE PURCHSED.   Sephora seemingly has no interest in finding out how their gift card information is being stolen and used without the actual card and will not make it right for their loyal customers.