Are there scams going on with gift cards?
Are there scams going on with gift cards?
Gift cards are the among the most common ways that scammers get their money from consumers. Gift cards have topped the list of reported fraud payment methods every year since 2018, according to an analysis by the Federal Trade Commission.
How do you stop gift card scams?
If you get or give a gift card, here are some steps to follow:
- Buy gift cards from sources you know and trust.
- Inspect a gift card before you buy it.
- Keep the receipt with the gift card.
- Read the terms and conditions of the gift card.
- Use the card as soon as you can.
- Treat gift cards like cash.
What can you do if you get scammed for a gift card?
If you’re a victim of a gift card scam, report the scam to your local police department. Next, report the gift card scam to Google. If you report the scam, it may help you and others from similar suspicious activities in the future.
Why would a scammer want iTunes cards?
They’re also an increasingly common way for scammers to steal money from you. Scammers place a call or email to an unsuspecting victim with urgent news or a convincing story. They then ask, or in most cases pressure, the person to send them a gift card, like an iTunes or Google Play card.
Is buying gift cards safe?
It’s safer to buy from places that keep gift cards behind the counter or, if they’re sold on racks, in well-sealed packaging. Do immediately contact the retailer that issued a gift card you used to pay a suspected scammer. If money remains on the card, you might be able to get it back.
Can I spend a gift card I found?
No matter what state you are in, it’s not a good idea to use a gift card that you’ve found. Many states require that you attempt to return lost property. In fact, this also applies to lost money. That means that it’s often possible for a retailer to track the person who originally bought the gift card.
Why would a scammer want a steam card?
The scammers often pose as agents of official agencies, such as the I.R.S., to convince their victims to comply. Victims are urged to purchase Steam Wallet Gift Cards at a retail shop in their area. The associated value can only be used to purchase products such as video games, in-game items, software, and hardware.
How can you tell if a gift card has been tampered with?
That can make it tough to tell that the cards have been tampered with. In other cases, criminals will leave the PIN covering intact and instead use online bots or other kinds of computer software to guess the PIN code. In many cases, the codes are just four digits, making them easy for hackers to crack.
How to report a gift card to the FTC?
Gift cards are for gifts, NOT for payments. Anyone who tells you to pay with a gift card is a scammer. Report gift cards used in a scam to the companies that issued the gift cards. Then, report it to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
How much did I lose on Best Buy gift cards?
In the end, she bought two Best Buy gift cards and two Target gift cards. She lost $2,000 in total after she charged the gift cards on her credit card. At some point, she started thinking something was off once the boss asked for more gift cards.
What to do if you get a Google gift card?
Avoid gift card scams Never use Google Play gift cards to pay for taxes, bail money, or anything outside Google Play. Google Play gift cards can only be used to make purchases on Google Play. Never share the code on the back of the gift card.
