It isun clear whether clever thieves or someone accessing the computer systems of the company selling and managing the card programs are responsible. Still,t some gift cards show $0 balances on cards that should have $25, $50, or $100 balances. These are the cards for various retailers and restaurants like Home Depot, Nordstrom, Apple, or Olive Garden, usually sold on racks near the checkout at drug stores and department stores. In-store thieves might record and register the card serial numbers and wait for them to be sold, showing a balance they immediately withdraw. Or it could be an inside job - which the company denies. Either way, finding different methods to give a gift and avoid an unpleasant surprise is best.