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The Scam Exposed

Someone asked you to pay with a gift card

Two questions, then a clear answer with the reasons behind it.

Takes 15 seconds No sign up Nothing stored
  1. 1The request
  2. 2The card
  3. 3Answer
Who asked you to pay with a gift card?
Did they ask for the numbers on the back of the card?
Want to check the number that called you? See how many times it has been reported and what the calls were about.

Why scammers want gift cards

A gift card works like cash, but unlike a bank transfer it cannot be reversed and is close to impossible to trace. Once someone has the card number and the PIN from the back, the balance can be spent from anywhere in the world within minutes, and there is usually no way to recover it.

The story changes, the payment method does not

Gift cards turn up in nearly every kind of scam: fake tax debts, fake tech support, fake prize wins, fake emergencies from relatives, and romance scams. The reason you are given is chosen to fit whoever answers the phone. The gift card request is the part that never changes.

The one rule that catches all of them

No legitimate organisation asks to be paid in gift cards. Not the tax office, not the police, not a court, not a utility, not a technology company, not a bank, not an employer. If somebody contacted you unexpectedly and steered the conversation towards gift cards, that is your answer, whatever else they told you along the way.

You're Safe Here. Let's Fix This Now.

If you already sent money or shared information, act fast. Follow these steps in order.

1

Call Your Bank or Card Company Immediately

Use the number on the back of your card, not any number the caller gave you. Ask them to freeze the transaction or account.

2

Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline

Free help, 7 days a week.

Call 1-833-372-8311
3

Report It to the Government

File a free report at the Federal Trade Commission so they can investigate.

Go to reportfraud.ftc.gov