iTunes card scams: why anyone asking you to pay with a gift card is a scammer
Quick answer
If someone tells you to pay with iTunes or Apple gift cards, it's a scam. Real businesses and agencies don't take gift cards as payment. Don't read out the card number and PIN. If you already did, call the card issuer now and report it to the FTC.
- Comes by
- Phone call, Text, Email, Website
- Pretends to be
- Apple
- Last updated
How it works
Scammers pretend to be someone you'd pay: the IRS, tech support, a utility or a family member in trouble. The FTC says they push people to pay with iTunes gift cards, and with other gift cards, reloadable cards, PayPal or wire transfers, because that money is hard to trace and hard to get back.
The usual script:
- You get a call, text or pop-up about a problem that needs fixing today.
- You're told to go to a store and buy gift cards, often while staying on the phone.
- You're asked to read out the card number and PIN, or send a photo of the back of the card.
Once they have the number and PIN, they can drain the card even if you still hold it. Apple is the name on the card here, not the one running the scam: scammers use the brand because the cards are easy to buy and easy to spend.
Red flags
- Anyone demanding payment by gift card, whatever the reason
- You're told to buy cards and stay on the phone while you do it
- The caller asks for the card number and PIN, or a photo of the back
- A demand to act today or face arrest, a fine or a closed account
- A claim to be from a government agency, tech support or a relative in trouble
- You're told to keep the purchase secret from the store clerk or your family
Example message
This is [name] from the tax office. You owe back taxes and a case will be opened against you today. To settle it, buy iTunes gift cards at the nearest store and read me the codes. Call [phone number] now.
What to do
- 1
Don't share the card details
Hang up or stop replying. Nobody legitimate needs the card number and PIN to take a payment.
- 2
If you already read out the codes, call the card issuer
Tell them it was fraud and give them the card numbers and your receipts. The FTC says the issuer may be able to get your money back if you act quickly.
- 3
Check where the demand came from
If the caller claimed to be an agency or a company, look up the real number yourself and call it. Don't use a number from the message.
- 4
Protect your accounts
If you gave out any logins or let someone onto your computer, change those passwords and turn on two-step verification. Our guide on what to do after a data breach has the steps.
- 5
Report it
File a report with the FTC and keep the phone number, receipts and messages. Reports help the FTC spot and stop these schemes.
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
Gift card scammers need a believable story, and a name, a city and a phone number make it easier. Those details are sold by data brokers and people-search sites and turn up in breaches. Serus finds the data brokers and people-search sites that list your details where you live and removes you from them, and alerts you when your email or phone number shows up in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you.
More Apple scams
Frequently asked
Is Apple behind iTunes gift card scams?
No. Scammers use Apple and iTunes cards because they're easy to buy and spend. Apple is the brand being used, not the one asking for payment.
Is it ever legitimate to pay with a gift card?
Only to shop at the store the card belongs to. The FTC says if you're not shopping at the iTunes store, you shouldn't be paying with an iTunes card.
I still have the card but gave out the PIN. Is the money safe?
No. With the number and PIN, scammers can use the balance even if the card is in your hand. Contact the issuer right away.
Can I get the money back?
Sometimes. The FTC says the card issuer might be able to help if you contact them quickly, so call as soon as you realise.
Sources
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