I know what hes talking about, they do it where I live too. (FL)
In my local stores, the card is on the shelf. No wrapping, no box. Just the card is hanging on the shelf.
You pick it up, and then take it to the cashier. At the back of the card on the bottom, you may see a black magnetic strip. The cashier basically has to swipe that strip before the card can be used.
If they don't swipe it, it simply wont work when you scratch the thing off and enter the number on the Market Place.
(They also do it with pre-paid phone cards, the XBL cards, etc.)
I personally think its a good idea. Anyone can walk into Wal-Mart or wherever and pic up he card, pocket it, and walk out. This system doesn't prevent it, but it prevents them from walking away with a card that works.
