Fake gift card scams trick people into buying or using fraudulent gift cards that hold no real value. Scammers create counterfeit gift cards, sell stolen or empty cards, or trick people into paying for something using gift cards—only to disappear once the transaction is complete.

These scams are common because gift cards are untraceable and irreversible, making them a preferred choice for fraudsters. They target individuals and businesses through phone calls, emails, fake websites, or social media ads, claiming to offer amazing deals, rewards, or urgent payments.

How Can This Happen to Us?
Fake gift card scams occur in many ways. Even the most cautious individuals can fall for them if they aren’t aware of the red flags. Here are some of the most common ways people get scammed:

1. Fake Online Stores Selling Discounted Gift Cards
Scammers set up professional-looking websites claiming to sell gift cards at unbelievable discounts (e.g., a $100 gift card for $50).
Customers pay for the gift card, but never receive anything, or receive a worthless card with no balance.
2. Payment Scams Demanding Gift Cards
Fraudsters impersonate IRS agents, utility companies, or tech support representatives, claiming you owe money or must pay immediately.
They demand payment through gift cards instead of traditional methods, instructing you to buy cards and share the codes over the phone.
Once they have the codes, they drain the card’s balance and vanish.
3. Tampered Gift Cards in Stores
Scammers visit retail stores, scratch off the security codes on gift cards, and record the numbers.
When a buyer loads money onto the card, the scammer steals the funds using the recorded number.
The victim realizes the card is empty only when they try to use it.
4. Fake Giveaways & Social Media Scams
Scammers create fake social media posts offering free gift cards from brands like Amazon, Walmart, or Starbucks.
To claim the prize, users must click on a link, enter personal information, or download malware.
Instead of winning a gift card, victims lose personal data, money, or even access to their accounts.
5. Phishing Emails and Fake Customer Support
Fraudsters send emails pretending to be Amazon, Apple, or a bank, warning about “suspicious activity” on a gift card.
Victims are tricked into entering their gift card details on a fake website, allowing scammers to steal the balance.
Sometimes, scammers pretend to be customer service agents, convincing victims to reveal their gift card details over the phone.

Example of a Fake Gift Card Scam
Sarah received a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, saying she owed $1,500 in back taxes and would be arrested if she didn’t pay immediately. Panicked, she followed their instructions and bought Amazon gift cards from a local store.

The scammer then told her to read the card numbers over the phone to process the payment. Within minutes, the fraudster drained the balance from all the cards and disappeared. Sarah later realized it was a scam when she contacted the real IRS and found out they never accept payments via gift cards.

How to Protect Yourself from Fake Gift Card Scams?
Protecting yourself from these scams requires awareness, verification, and caution. Here’s how you can stay safe:

✅ Only Buy Gift Cards from Official Sources
Purchase gift cards directly from official stores, websites, or well-known retailers.
Avoid third-party sellers or random online stores offering extreme discounts.
✅ Never Use Gift Cards as Payment
Legitimate businesses and government agencies will never ask for payment via gift cards.
If someone insists that you pay them using gift cards, it’s a scam—hang up immediately.
✅ Inspect Gift Cards Before Buying
Check if the scratch-off area is tampered with. If it looks scratched or resealed, do not buy the card.
Look for any signs of tampering on the barcode or packaging.
✅ Verify the Balance Before Using
After purchasing a gift card, register and check the balance immediately.
If something seems off, contact the retailer’s official customer support right away.
✅ Be Wary of “Too Good to Be True” Offers
If a website or social media post claims to offer gift cards at a huge discount or for free, it’s likely a scam.
Legitimate retailers rarely sell gift cards at deep discounts.
✅ Keep Gift Card Codes Private
Never share your gift card number or PIN with anyone over the phone, email, or text.
Scammers often pressure victims to reveal card details, so always be cautious.
✅ Use Credit Cards for Online Purchases
If you must buy a gift card online, use a credit card instead of a debit card for added fraud protection.
Credit card companies often offer chargebacks for fraudulent transactions, whereas gift cards do not.