I bought an apple gift card but someone Scratched

My husband bought an apple gift card at Walgreen on September 29 2023 and then he gave it to me. I hide it and forgot about it. But yesterday i remember and want to use it, so

I just came the apple store to buy a new phone. When i check out and pay the guy at the store open my gift card, we see it Scratched and he says maybe the scammers did it before and sealed it and sell you. He asked me where i buy the gift card and i can come back and tell them.

I go home and tell my husband, we tried to call the bank and go to Walgreen either but nothing solved.

I need help from apple so i do it now