Gift Card Scams: The One Rule That Stops Them

Someone on the phone says you have to pay right now, with gift cards. Stop. Here's the one rule that protects you, straight from the FTC.

1. The One Rule

No real business, or government agency, will ever tell you to pay them with a gift card. Anyone who does is a scammer. Every time.

2. The Stories They Tell

They'll say they're from the IRS or Social Security. Or tech support, or your power company about to shut you off. Or they claim there's a prize for you, but you have to pay fees first.

3. The Family Emergency

Another is a call that sounds like a grandchild in trouble, sometimes even using a cloned voice, asking you to keep it secret. Hang up, and call that person yourself, at a number you know.

4. Already Paid?

If you already gave someone gift card numbers, call the gift card company right away, and ask for your money back. Keep the card and the receipt. Then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

5. Buying A Real Gift?

When you buy a gift card as a present, get it from a store you trust. Check that the sticker over the PIN hasn't been scratched or peeled, and snap a photo of the card and receipt.