Someone might ask you to pay for something by putting money on a gift card, like a Google Play or iTunes card, and then giving them the numbers on the back of the card. If they ask you to do this, they’re trying to scam you. No real business or government agency will ever insist you pay them with a gift card. Anyone who demands to be paid with a gift card is a scammer. Show
What is a Gift Card ScamGift cards are for gifts, not for payments. As soon as someone tells you to pay them with a gift card, that’s a scam. Gift cards are popular with scammers because they’re easy for people to find and buy. They also have fewer protections for buyers compared to some other payment options. They’re more like cash: once you use a gift card, the money on it is gone. If someone calls and asks that you pay them with gift cards, that’s a scammer calling. And once they have the gift card number and the PIN, they have your money. Scammers may tell you different stories to get you to pay them with gift cards, but this is what usually happens:
Spot the ScamOnly scammers try to convince you to pay with gift cards. If you know how to spot their tactics, you’ll be able to avoid the scam, and help others spot and avoid it. Here’s a list of common gift card scams and schemes:
What To Do If You Paid a Scammer With Gift CardsIf you paid a scammer with a gift card, tell the company that issued the card right away. Keep the card and any receipts you have. Contact information for some gift card companiesAmazon
eBay
Google Play
iTunes
Steam
MoneyPak
Don’t see your card on this list? Look for the company’s contact information on the card itself, or do some research online to find out how to reach the card issuer. If you can’t find the contact information or the card issuer doesn’t want to talk to you, report it to the FTC. Safely Buying and Using Gift CardsRemember that gift cards are for gifts, not for payments. So if you buy gift cards to give away or donate:
Report FraudIf someone asks you to pay them with gift cards:
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