SCAM AWARENESSGift card payment demands
Gift cards are for gifts, not for paying bills or fines. Scammers ask for them because once you share the numbers on the back, they can spend the money almost instantly, and it is hard to trace. According to the FTC, no real business or government agency will ever tell you to buy a gift card to pay them.
How this scam works
The scammer usually reaches you by phone, text, email, or a computer pop-up. They may pretend to be from a government agency, a utility company, tech support, a relative in trouble, or even your boss. The story always includes urgency: you owe a fine, your power will be shut off, your computer is infected, or someone is in danger.
They tell you to go to a store, buy one or more gift cards, and then read or text them the card numbers and PIN. Some stay on the phone while you shop and coach you on what to tell the cashier. Once they have the numbers, they drain the cards quickly and may ask for more.
What it can look like
EXAMPLE · NOT A REAL MESSAGEThis is the utility company's disconnection department. Your account is past due and service will be shut off in one hour. To avoid disconnection, buy two $250 gift cards at any store and call us back at [number] with the card numbers.
Warning signs
- Anyone tells you to pay a bill, fine, tax, or fee with gift cards.
- The caller asks you to read or photograph the numbers on the back.
- You are told to stay on the phone while you buy the cards.
- You are told to keep the reason secret from the cashier or family.
- There is a threat of arrest, shutoff, or harm if you do not pay now.
- A boss or coworker texts asking you to buy gift cards for a surprise.
How to protect yourself
- Remember that real agencies and businesses do not take payment in gift cards.
- Hang up and call the company or agency at a number you look up yourself.
- Never share gift card numbers or PINs with anyone who contacted you.
- Talk to a trusted friend or relative before buying cards for someone else.
- Check with your boss in person or by phone before buying cards for work.
If you already responded
- Contact the gift card company right away, explain it was a scam, and ask if the remaining balance can be frozen or refunded.
- Keep the physical cards and store receipts; you will need them.
- Stop all contact with the scammer and do not buy more cards, even if they promise refunds.
- Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Ignore anyone offering paid help to recover your money.
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Where to report it
Common questions
Will the IRS or Social Security ever ask for gift cards?
No. Government agencies do not ask you to pay with gift cards. The FTC says no real business or government agency will ever tell you to buy a gift card to pay them. If anyone says they are from the government and wants gift cards, it is a scam. Hang up.
Can I get my money back from a gift card scam?
Possibly, but not always. Contact the company that issued the card as soon as you can and tell them it was used in a scam. If money is still on the card, they may be able to freeze it. Keep the card and receipt, and report the scam to the FTC.
Why do scammers want gift cards?
Gift cards work like cash. Once a scammer has the card number and PIN, they can use or sell the balance within minutes, and they do not need the physical card. Unlike some other payment methods, gift card purchases usually have few fraud protections, which makes the money hard to get back.