Did someone call you and ask you to buy a gift card and give them the PIN numbers?
STOP. It's a scam!
Gift cards are only for gifts. Not for payments.
If you receive a phone call from someone telling you to buy a gift card give them the PIN numbers to fix any problem for any reason, hang up. Examples of common scams asking for gift card payments include:
- Payments to the FTC, FBI or IRS to stop judgments against you or someone you love
- Telling you it will help you keep your Social Security benefits
- Advising you they need payments for utilities (electricity, water or heat)
- Phony tech support or fake computer issues
- Help for a family member in trouble
- Help for a service member needing money
- Pay bail or ransom
- Avoid arrest or deportation
If you've fallen victim to a gift card scam, report it to the gift card company (see list below), ask for your money back, and then contact the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Gift Card Companies:
- Amazon 1-888-280-4331
- Apple iTunes 1-800-275-2273
- eBay ebay.com/giftcardscams
- Target 1-800-544-2943
- Walmart 1-888-537-5503
We're here to help you avoid scams and fraud.
Source: ftc.gov/giftcards