Anyone asking to be paid with gift cards
Someone wants me to pay with gift cards. Is that a scam?
What it looks like
A caller, text, or email says you owe a fine, a bill, or a fee, or that a loved one is in trouble. They tell you which gift cards to buy and where, and they may stay on the phone while you go to the store. Then they ask for the numbers on the back.
What to do
- Stop. Only scammers ask to be paid with gift cards.
- Hang up and talk to someone you trust.
- If you already gave the numbers, call the gift card company right away and ask for your money back. Keep the card and receipt.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Get the Staying Safe From Scams Kit
Sources: FTC: Avoiding and reporting gift card scams, FTC: Only scammers tell you to buy a gift card
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