Scam warning
Pay With Gift Cards
No matter who is calling, if they tell you to buy gift cards (Apple, Google Play, Target, Amazon, Walmart, Steam) and read them the numbers on the back, it is a scam. Real businesses and governments do not take payment this way.
Also called: Gift card scam
The one thing to remember
Gift cards are for gifts, not for paying bills, fines or fees. Anyone who asks for payment with gift cards is a scammer.
How it happens
- Someone calls with an emergency: the police, your bank, tech support, a grandchild, or a utility.
- They tell you to go to a store and buy gift cards, often several of them.
- They may tell you what to say to the cashier if they ask questions.
- They ask you to scratch off the back and read them the numbers, or send a photo.
- The money is gone within minutes.
Warning signs
- Anyone asking you to pay with gift cards.
- Being told to lie to the store cashier.
- Staying on the phone with them while you shop.
What to do
- Stop. Don't buy the cards.
- If you already gave the numbers, call the gift card company right away (the number is on the back) and ask them to freeze the card. Keep the receipts.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Last checked: October 31, 2026