More troubles for Target: this time with Gift Cards

Target has another problem on its hands this holiday shopping season. Separate from the data breach that affected some 40 million people who shopped at the retailer between November 27 and December 15, Fox News is reporting that thousands of gift cards sold over the holidays weren't properly activated. As a result, some gift card recipients are left rankled after finding out their present was worth about as much as a lump of coal at the register.

A source confirmed that cashiers scanned the wrong code on the cards, and that the mistake could impact up to 40,000 gift cards sold across the country. This latest black eye for the bulls-eye brand has caused headaches for customers and store employees alike as shoppers tried to spend their holiday cash only to find out their gift cards weren't properly processed at checkout and had no value.

A Target spokesperson said company is aware that some gift cards weren't activated correctly; however, they say customers can go to the guest services desk or call the number on the back of the card for help. Unfortunately, the same call volume issues that hit the retailer after the data breach seemed to extend to that phone number as well. When Fox 9 called the number, a recording stated, "We're sorry, but we are extremely busy. So, the wait to speak to a team member is much longer than usual. If your question is urgent, please stay on the line. Otherwise, you may want to call back in a bit."