Gift Card Scams – Why They Ask & What To Do Now | ScamPause
Gift cards are one of the most common ways scammers steal money because they’re fast and hard to reverse.
Immediate Answer
If someone asked you to pay with gift cards (Apple/iTunes, Google Play, Steam, Target, Walmart, etc.), it is a scam. Legitimate organizations do not take gift cards as payment.
How This Scam Works
Scammers impersonate a bank, retailer, employer, tech support, or government agency. They create urgency and instruct you to buy gift cards and read or send the codes. Once the codes are shared, the money can be spent immediately.
Signs This Is a Scam
- They demand gift cards as “payment”
- They ask for photos of the back of the card or the code
- They pressure you to buy more cards
- They tell you not to talk to store employees or family
- They claim gift cards are needed for taxes, fees, fines, or refunds
What To Do Right Now
- Stop—do not buy more gift cards
- Stop communicating with the person requesting them
- Save receipts, messages, and any card details
- If you still have the cards and haven’t shared the codes, store them safely
- If codes were shared, contact the gift card issuer immediately
If You Already Sent Money or Information
If you shared codes, the funds may be gone—but you should still report it quickly. Some issuers may be able to freeze unused balances in limited situations. Do not pay a “recovery” service—those are often scams too.
How To Protect Yourself Going Forward
Any request for gift cards is a major red flag. Build a rule: if payment is requested by gift card, pause and verify using a phone number you find independently (not the one they gave you).
You Are Not Alone
Scammers are professionals at pushing emotional buttons. Many smart, capable people have been tricked into gift card payments.