Gift Cards: considered one of the coolest gifts for the holiday season. As you begin to use your gift card dough you were gifted this past holiday, keep in mind the possibility of gift card scams.
What is a Gift Card Scam?
Someone might ask you to pay for something by putting money on a gift card, or by giving them preexisting gift card credentials. Whether it be for iTunes, Target, or Amazon, these scammers want the numbers on the back of the card to ultimately go online and purchase free items… with your money. If someone ever asks this of you, bottom line: they're trying to scam you.
What Does a Gift Card Scam Look Like?
1. The caller says it's urgent.
No real government agency or business is in such a rush to get a gift card… We promise.
2. The caller usually tells you which gift card to buy.
While the folks at the IRS might enjoy a nice Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich, they're not going to call you and specifically ask for a gift card to buy one!
3. The caller asks you for the gift card number and PIN.
You wouldn't share your holiday cookies… So, if someone calls and asks you for the credentials of a gift card you've received, don't share them!
If you'd like to learn more about these types of scams and what to do if you believe you've fallen victim to one, read what the FTC has to say here: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/gift-card-scams