Money And Payments
Gift card scam
A scam where someone demands payment using gift cards.
What it means
Scammers like gift cards because they are fast, hard to reverse, and can be used without meeting in person.
Example
A caller claiming to be support says you must buy gift cards to fix your account.
Warning signs
- A company, agency, or support person asks for gift cards.
- They ask you to read card numbers over the phone.
- They say gift cards are the only way to solve the problem.
Safer next steps
- Do not pay businesses or agencies with gift cards.
- Keep the cards and receipts if you already bought them.
- Report the request to the card issuer or platform.