Apple gift card scams: what Apple's cards can't pay for
Quick answer
Apple gift cards pay only for Apple products and services. If someone tells you to use them for a bill, tax, fine or fee, it's a scam. Don't share the numbers on the back. If you did, contact Apple Support right away and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Comes by
- Phone call, Text, Email, Social media
- Last updated
How it works
Apple says its gift cards can be used only to buy products and services from Apple, so a request to pay for anything else points to fraud. Apple lists bills such as utilities, debt collection and hospital charges, and government fees such as taxes, immigration and Social Security, as things the cards can't pay for.
The usual pattern: you get a call, text, email or social message that creates panic. It may say you owe a tax or utility bill, that your computer is infected, or that a relative is in trouble. You're told to buy Apple gift cards at a nearby store and read out the codes.
Apple warns that once scammers have the numbers on the back of the card, the funds may be spent before you can contact police or Apple Support.
Red flags
- A request to pay a bill, tax, fine or debt with Apple gift cards
- A caller who says you must act now and tells you where to buy the cards
- Being asked to read out the numbers on the back of the card
- A friend or relative on a hacked account asking you to buy gift cards
- A message from "government" or a utility company that demands payment by gift card
What to do
- 1
Don't share the card numbers
Hang up or stop replying. Look up the real company or agency yourself.
- 2
If you already shared them, contact Apple Support at once
Apple says to contact Apple Support online or by phone and say "gift cards" when prompted. Keep the cards and receipts.
- 3
Report it
Apple says to report it to your local police and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- 4
Call your bank if you used a card to buy them
Say it was fraud and ask to stop or reverse the charge.
- 5
Check on the relative or friend
If the request came from someone you know, call them on a number you already have. Their account may be hacked.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers pick targets from lists of phone numbers and emails sold by data brokers and leaked in breaches, then add a name or address to sound legitimate. Serus finds where your address, phone number and email are listed and removes them, and alerts you when your details show up in a breach, so fewer scammers can build a convincing message about you.
More Apple scams
Frequently asked
What can I pay for with an Apple gift card?
Only products and services from Apple, according to Apple.
Is Apple the scammer?
No. Scammers use Apple cards, and sometimes Apple's name, to pressure people. Apple's own support page warns about it.
Will the money come back if I gave the codes?
Not always. Contact Apple Support right away, because funds can be spent quickly.
Who do I report it to?
Your local police and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, per Apple's page.
Sources
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
