Gift card scams: why scammers ask for gift cards and what to do
Quick answer
Anyone who asks you to pay with gift cards is a scammer. No genuine organisation takes tax, bills or fees by voucher. Don't read out the codes. If you've already paid, contact the card company and your bank, then report it to Action Fraud.
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How it works
Scammers like gift cards because the money is hard to get back once the codes are shared. They don't need the physical card to use the value, only the code on the back.
Action Fraud says fraudsters often pose as HMRC. Other versions: a caller demands urgent payment for a tax, hospital or utility bill, a hacked friend's or relative's email asks you to buy a card for them, or a prize needs a fee. The FTC describes the same pattern in the US, including a fake boss who texts you to buy cards. The ask is always the same: buy gift cards and send the numbers on the back.
Red flags
- Any request to pay a tax, bill or fee with gift cards or vouchers
- Being told to stay on the phone while you buy cards
- A friend, relative or boss asking for cards by email or text out of the blue
- A prize that needs a fee paid in vouchers
- Pressure to read out the codes on the back
Example message
Hi, it's me. I'm stuck in a meeting and need a favour. Can you buy 4 gift cards for a client and send me the codes? I'll pay you back today.
What to do
- 1
Stop and don't share the codes
If you haven't paid yet, end the call or message. Gift cards are for gifts, not payments.
- 2
Contact the card company straight away
If you've shared codes, tell the company that issued the card. They may be able to freeze the funds. Keep the card and the receipt.
- 3
Call your bank
If you paid for the cards by debit or credit card, call your bank. In the UK you can call 159 to reach your bank's fraud team.
- 4
Check with the real person
If a friend or relative seems to ask for cards, call them on a number you already have. Their account may be hacked.
- 5
Report it
Report it to Action Fraud. In the US, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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 don't pick numbers and addresses at random. Names, phone numbers, home addresses and email addresses are easy to buy from people-search sites and data brokers, and they leak in breaches, which lets a caller or sender sound like they know you. Scammers who pose as a boss or a relative usually learn who you know from public profiles and listings. Serus finds where your details are listed and removes them from the sites that hold them, and alerts you when your data shows up in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you.
Frequently asked
Will a real organisation ever ask for gift cards?
Action Fraud says no genuine organisation will ask you to pay taxes, bills or fees with gift cards or any other type of voucher.
Why do scammers want gift cards?
They're quick to buy, need no bank account and are hard to trace, so the money is hard to recover.
Can I get my money back?
Contact the card company right away with the card number and receipt. Some companies can freeze the funds if you're quick, so it's worth asking.
Who do I report it to?
In the UK, report it to Action Fraud. In the US, use ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Sources
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