Gift Card Scams
Any scam where you are told to pay with gift cards and read the numbers over the phone or by message.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
A scammer of any kind tells you to buy gift cards and share the numbers on the back. Gift cards are a favorite because the money is fast, hard to trace, and nearly impossible to get back.
What it usually looks like
- You are told to buy gift cards at a store and read the codes over the phone.
- The reason changes — taxes, fees, fines, a prize, or helping a relative.
- You are urged to stay on the phone while you buy them.
Common warning signs
- No real business or agency asks to be paid in gift cards.
- You are pressured to buy several cards quickly.
- You are told to read the numbers from the back of the card.
Example wording scammers use
“Buy four $500 Apple gift cards and read me the codes to clear your account.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- The codes on the back of the cards, which is the same as cash.
What to do
- Stop. Legitimate payments are never made with gift cards.
- Do not read any card numbers to anyone.
- Hang up and talk to someone you trust.
What to do if you already responded
- Contact the gift card company immediately — sometimes funds can still be frozen.
- Keep the cards and your receipts.
- Report the scam to the FTC and the store where you bought the cards.