Gift card payment scams
Anyone who tells you to pay with a gift card is a scammer.
How it works
Scammers love gift cards because the money is fast and hard to get back. They tell you to buy cards from a store, then read them the numbers on the back. The story can be anything: taxes, a utility bill, bail, a prize fee, or a 'refund' mistake.
What it might look like
"Your power will be shut off in one hour. Go to the store, buy $500 in gift cards, and call us back with the numbers."
Red flags
- Anyone tells you to pay a bill or fine with a gift card.
- They stay on the phone while you shop.
- They tell you to lie to the store clerk.
- They ask for photos of the card's back.
What to do
- Stop. Real businesses and governments don't take gift cards as payment.
- If you already paid, contact the gift card company right away and keep the receipt.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.