INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO): The holidays are a time of giving, but a new survey finds many people in Indiana, and other states, are engaging in risky behaviors that could compromise their personal information and bank account. 

70% of people in a new survey from AARP failed a quiz about how to stay safe from common holiday scams. 58% expected to purchase a gift card from a store rack, which state president of AARP Indiana Joseph Everett says are the target of a newer trick:

“Thieves write down or scan the numbers off the cards then they check online to see if someone has bought the card and activated it. And as soon as the card is active the scammers actually go in and drain the funds off the card and by the time you try to use it the money is gone.”

Everett explains that it is best to purchase gift cards online. Caution is also advised with debit cards. According to the survey, almost two-thirds of shoppers will buy gifts this year with a debit card, but Everett says a credit card provides better protection from fraud and theft.