Gmork
Add to Chrome

Scam library · Seniors · Phone calls · Shopping

Gift card payment scam

A caller says you owe money to the IRS, your utility company, or a court, or that your computer needs urgent repair. They tell you to buy gift cards from a store and read them the numbers.

Once you share the numbers, the money is gone.

It doesn't matter who the caller says they are.

Last updated

What the message looks like

Phone call (what the caller says) · example, not real

From: Caller claiming to be from your utility company

Your power will be shut off in 45 minutes due to an unpaid balance of $780.

Go to the nearest store and buy gift cards. Call me back with the numbers on the back.

This is a made-up example. No real company accepts gift cards as payment for bills.

How this scam works

The FTC says anyone who demands payment by gift card is a scammer. Gift cards are for gifts, not payments.

Scammers like gift cards because they can be used quickly and are hard to trace. They often ask for cards from popular brands like Apple, Google Play, Target or Steam.

Some stay on the phone while you shop and coach you on what to say if a cashier asks questions.

Store employees are trained to spot gift card scams. If a cashier asks why you're buying gift cards, it's a good time to pause.

If you've already shared numbers, report it to the gift card company quickly. Sometimes funds can be frozen if they haven't been spent.

The story changes, but the payment request doesn't. Scammers have used fake IRS debts, Social Security problems, utility shutoffs, tech support fees, bail for a grandchild and even romance emergencies. Whenever the answer is 'buy gift cards and read me the numbers', it's a scam.

Red flags

  • Being told to buy gift cards to pay a bill.
  • Requests to read or photograph the codes.
  • Instructions to lie to store employees.
  • Threats of arrest, shutoff or account closure.
  • Staying on the phone while you shop.

How to tell it’s fake

  1. Hang up and call the company using a number you trust.
  2. Remember that gift cards are for gifts.
  3. Talk to someone you trust before paying.
  4. Ask the store cashier for help.

What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info

Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.

If you clicked a link or called back

  • Hang up. Don't buy gift cards.

If you paid

  • Contact the gift card company immediately and report it to ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Keep the receipt and card.

If you shared personal info, a password or a code

  • If you shared personal details, watch for further scams.

Where to report and get help (U.S.)

If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.

  • Your bank or card issuer
    Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account.
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
    Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan.
  • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
    Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details.
  • AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
    Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern.
  • IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
    If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.

How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you

Scam Guard runs in Chrome and Edge on your computer, so it can't hear calls. When gift card scams start with a fake pop-up or email, Scam Guard warns you before you act. If a request seems legit, a scam expert can confirm.

Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.

Add to Chrome Add to Edge

Questions people ask

Can I pay bills with gift cards?
No real company or agency will ask you to.
Can I get my money back?
Contact the gift card company quickly. It might help.
Why do scammers want gift cards?
They're fast and hard to trace.
What should I tell my parents?
Anyone asking for gift card payments is a scammer.
What if the caller says it's a special government program?
No government program accepts gift cards. Hang up and call the agency using a number from its official website.

Sources

Related scams

Browse the full scam library · Scam-safety guides