Overview
Gift card scams are a preferred payment method for many types of fraud because gift cards are nearly impossible to trace or reverse. Scammers demand payment in gift cards for fake IRS debts, utility bills, tech support, bail money, and more. They also tamper with gift cards on store racks, draining the value before the buyer can use them. No legitimate business or government agency ever requests payment by gift card.
How This Scam Works
Scammers demand payment through gift cards (iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, Green Dot) because the funds are nearly untraceable and cannot be reversed.
The victim is instructed to purchase specific gift cards, then read the card numbers and PINs to the scammer over the phone.
In-store tampering involves scammers recording the numbers on gift cards displayed on store racks, then monitoring for activation so they can drain the value remotely.
Online scammers sell discounted gift cards that are stolen, counterfeit, or have already been drained.
Warning Signs
Real Scam Examples
These are examples of messages used in this type of scam.
This is the IRS. You owe $3,200 in back taxes. To avoid criminal prosecution, you must purchase $3,200 in Google Play gift cards and call us back with the redemption codes. A warrant for your arrest will be issued if this is not resolved today.
Boss: I need you to do me a favor. I am in a meeting and need you to buy 5 Apple gift cards at $100 each for a client. I will reimburse you. Just scratch off the backs and send me photos of the codes.
How to Protect Yourself
1Remember: gift cards are for gifts only
No legitimate business, government agency, or utility company will ever ask you to pay with gift cards. This is always a scam.
2Inspect gift cards before purchasing
Check that the protective scratch-off coating is intact and the packaging has not been opened, resealed, or tampered with.
3Keep gift card receipts
Save the receipt and the card until the full value has been used. If the card is drained by a scammer, the receipt may help with a store investigation.
4Report gift card scams
Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and contact the gift card company directly. Some companies may be able to freeze remaining funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
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