Gift Card Schemes and Scams
Gift card schemes and scams are becoming more common, which is why it’s important that you know what to look for to protect yourself. Scammers are using new techniques, like posing as legitimate companies, to trick victims into giving away gift card information.
Some scammers will even pose as family members through text to get you to buy them digital gift cards. Once scammers have this information, they will quickly steal it and drain the gift card balances.
Most Common Gift Card Schemes
Be aware of what scammers ask for over social media chats, email, text, and even phone calls. Common gift card schemes and scams include:
Impersonation Scams
Scammers often impersonate family members, tech support, and even government officials, asking them to buy gift cards and provide them with card numbers and PINs. They may also try to insist they are a family member with an emergency to avoid you contacting the family member directly.
Fake Balance Website Scams
Scammers create fake websites that appear legitimate and ask you to check the balance on your gift card. Once you do, they take your information and steal the remaining balance.
Theft Scams
There is a significant organization of criminals who go into stores to steal gift card data. They take the numbers off the back, including the security codes, and then return them to the shelves. Once you purchase the gift card, they are alerted and then drain the balance on the gift card.
Learn How to Protect Yourself from Gift Card Schemes
Here are ways you can protect yourself from becoming the victim of gift card schemes.
- Check Balances Directly – To verify gift card balances, only use the retailer’s direct website, never a link sent to you.
- Register Gift Cards – Always register gift cards through the retailer’s website in the event the card is lost or stolen.
- Verify Websites – Always check the website URL and pay close attention to security indicators, such as the lock/padlock symbol, before entering personal data or information, including the details of your gift card.
- Unsolicited Requests – Never provide gift card information to anyone who has requested it unsolicited. The government and tech support representatives will never contact you unsolicited.
If you suspect gift card schemes or scams, report it directly to the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357 or through their website.
Home Telecom Aims to Boost Internet Security
Learn more about the measures Home Telecom has in place to protect our customers against internet threats.