Scammers use gift cards to trick victims into making fraudulent payments, often by posing as government agencies or businesses. Always remember—gift cards are for gifts, not payments.

Gift card are for gifts not for payments. Scammers are the only ones who will advise you to purchase a gift card and provide them with the card’s back numbers.  You will never be told to purchase a gift card to pay a reputable government agency or business. Government agencies, such as the IRS, Treasury Department, FBI, or local police departments, will not accept any form of gift card as payment and will not ask you for gift card information, especially over the phone. You should never be asked to pay your utility bills, bail money, debt collection, or hospital bills with gift cards. If you are, it’s a scam.

Gift cards should never be used to settle debt collection, utility bills, bail money, or medical bills. It is a scam if someone makes such a demand.

How Gift Card Scams Work

Scammers try to convince victims to purchase Gift cards and reveal the numbers by contacting them by phone, text, email, or social media. These are the typical strategies employed:

1. Scammers will say it’s urgent

They will warn that if you don’t pay them immediately, dire consequences will ensue. Resist the pressure to act immediately. Slow down and talk with someone you trust. Don’t pay. It’s a scam.

2. Specifying Which Gift Card to Buy

They might instruct victims to purchase a particular brand of Gift Card and sometimes even specify where to buy it. To avoid detection, scammers may direct victims to multiple stores. Some fraudsters remain on the phone with victims while they purchase the cards. If this happens, hang up immediately.

3. Asking for Gift Card Numbers and PINs

The scammer requests the numbers and PIN codes on the back of the Gift Card to access the money. Never share these details with anyone.

Common Gift Card Scams

Gift Card scams are usually part of larger fraudulent schemes. Scammers use different stories to manipulate victims into buying gift cards. These are a few of the most prevalent kinds:

• Government Impersonation Scams

Fraudsters claim overdue taxes or fines by impersonating representatives of organizations such as the IRS, FBI, or local police. Gift cards are never required as payment by government entities.

• Tech Support Scams

Scammers believe there is a problem with your computer and pose as representatives of an IT company. They may ask for remote access or demand payment via gift card for a fake repair. Legitimate tech support services never contact customers this way.

• Emergency Scams

Someone pretending to be a friend or relative says they are in desperate need of assistance because of money problems. To sound like a loved one, some people employ voice cloning. Before answering a request, be sure everything is in order.

• Fake Prize Scams

Scammers say you won something, but you have to use a gift card to pay taxes or other costs. Reputable awards never demand payment in advance.

• Utility Company Scams

Fraudsters pose as representatives of water or electricity providers and threaten to cut off service unless a gift card is paid right away. This is not how utility companies work.

• Romance Scams

Scammers build relationships on the internet before requesting gift cards as payment. Never give someone you haven’t met in person money or presents.

• Fake Check Scams

Victims receive a check for an excessive amount and are asked to return the difference using a gift card. The check later bounces, leaving the victim out of money.

How to Respond If You Gave a Scammer a Gift Card

If you realize you have been scammed, act quickly:

• Notify the gift card company of the scam right away.

Even if the scam happened some time ago, report it. Your chances of getting your money back are better the sooner you take action.

• Request a refund

Some companies have measures in place to help scam victims recover lost funds. Always ask.

• Report fraud to the FTC

Visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov to file a complaint. Your report helps authorities track down scammers.

Contacting Gift Card Companies

If you have the gift card and purchase receipt, contact the company that issued it. Below are the customer service numbers for major gift card providers:

• Amazon: 1-888-280-4331
• American Express: 1-877-297-4438
• Apple/iTunes: 1-800-275-2273
• Best Buy: 1-888-237-8289
• eBay: Customer Support Chat
• Google Play: Report fraud to Google
• MoneyPak: Fraud claim submission on their website
• ReloadIt: 1-888-633-9434
• Sephora: 1-877-737-4672
• Steam: Report fraud via Steam Support
• Target: 1-800-544-2943
• Vanilla: 1-833-322-6760
• Visa: 1-800-847-2911
• Walmart: 1-888-537-5503

Look for your card issuer’s customer service details online or on the back of the card if they are not on the list.

 How to Buy and Use Gift Cards Securely

Use these precautions to avoid fraud:

• Purchase from reliable merchants

Don’t buy from online auction sites because the cards can be stolen or counterfeit.

• Inspect the card before purchase

Make sure the PIN is hidden and the protection stickers are still in place. Select an alternative card and notify the store employees if anything appears to be incorrect.

• Keep records of your purchase

Save the gift card and store receipt. Take a photo of both as proof of purchase. These details will help if you need to report fraud or recover funds.

Final Reminder: Stay Alert!

Gift cards are for gifts, not payments. Never follow instructions to purchase a gift card. It’s a fraud if someone asks you to pay using a Gift Card.

Gift card fraud can be prevented for both you and other people by remaining vigilant and knowledgeable.