Scammers ask their victims to pay them with gift cards because they’re a convenient way to steal money and they’re difficult to trace or recover. Legitimate organizations will not ask you to pay them with a gift card.
How a gift card scam works:
- A person reaches out unsolicited about an urgent matter. A few examples include:
- You owe back taxes and need to pay immediately.
- Your computer has been accessed and online tech experts reach out to help.
- You are told to purchase gift cards. The person may tell you where to purchase the gift card and what type of card.
- They tell you NOT to speak to store employees, or they may tell you what to say if an employee questions your purchase. Scammers do not want anyone to alert you that you are experiencing a scam.
- You are told to share the card numbers and PINs. The scammers may ask you to send a photo via text message or other messaging apps.
- The scammer redeems the cards. With the card details, the scammer can quickly access the funds. You realize that the urgent matter was false, and your money has been stolen.
Learn how to protect yourself from gift card scams
DOWNLOAD SUE’S GUIDE TO LEAVING SCAMMERS IN THE DUST
BBB resources
General tips
Gift cards
