Google Play gift card scams: why anyone asking for the codes is a scammer
Quick answer
If someone tells you to buy Google Play gift cards and read out the codes, it's a scam. No real business or government agency demands payment in gift cards. Stop, keep the cards and receipt, and report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Comes by
- Phone call, Text, Email, Social media
- First reported
- Latest official alert
- (FTC)
- Last updated
How it works
Scammers pick gift cards because the money is hard to trace and almost impossible to pull back once they have the code. The FTC says no real business or government agency will tell you to pay with a gift card, and that scammers tell you which cards to buy and where.
The story changes: a caller pretending to be a government agency, a bank, a utility or tech support says you owe money or your account is at risk. Or a friend, relative or boss messages you for a "quick favor". Either way you're told to buy Google Play cards, scratch off the back and send the numbers.
The FTC found that 42% of people who paid a scammer with a gift card used iTunes or Google Play cards. Once you share the code, the money is spent.
Red flags
- Anyone who says you must pay with gift cards
- You're told which store to go to and which cards to buy
- You're asked to read out or photograph the code on the back
- A caller who stays on the line while you shop
- A message from a boss or relative asking for cards "as a favor" and secrecy
Example message
I'm in a meeting and can't talk. I need you to pick up 4 Google Play gift cards for a client today. Scratch off the back and send me the codes, I'll pay you back. Text me at [phone number].
What to do
- 1
Stop and don't send the codes
If you haven't shared the codes yet, you haven't lost anything. Hang up or stop replying.
- 2
If you already sent codes, act fast
Contact the gift card company straight away with the card numbers and receipt and say it was used in a scam. Speed matters; ask whether any balance is still there.
- 3
Keep the cards and receipts
You'll need them for the gift card company and for your report.
- 4
Verify the person another way
If it looked like a friend or boss, call them on a number you already have.
- 5
Protect your accounts
If you gave personal details, change passwords and consider a credit freeze.
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
Messages that look like they come from your boss or a relative work because scammers know who you know and where you work. That information often comes from people-search sites and social profiles. Serus finds the data brokers and people-search sites that list you and removes you from them, and alerts you when your details show up in a breach, so fewer scammers can build a convincing message about you.
Official alerts
More Google scams
Frequently asked
Does anyone legitimate ask for payment in Google Play gift cards?
No. The FTC says no real business or government agency will tell you to pay with a gift card.
Can I get my money back after sending the code?
Sometimes, if you contact the card company quickly and a balance remains. Report it to the FTC too.
Why do scammers like gift cards?
They're quick to spend and hard to trace, so the money is usually gone once the code is shared.
Sources
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