Wait, Check FirstScam & Fraud Protection
Gift card and payment scams

Asked to Pay With Gift Cards? It’s a Scam.

This is the gift card scam, and it’s one of the most common. No real government agency, bank, utility or business will ever ask you to pay with gift cards. Scammers love them because the money is gone the moment you share the numbers on the back.

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Common stories scammers use

  • “You owe taxes” or “There’s a warrant for your arrest”
  • “Your power will be shut off today”
  • “Your grandchild needs bail money”
  • “Your computer has a virus” or “We owe you a refund”
  • “You won a prize, just pay the fee first”

What to do during or after a gift card scam

  1. Stop. If someone asks for gift cards, it’s a scam. Hang up.
  2. Never read the numbers on the back of a card to anyone, or send a photo of them.
  3. If you already did, call the company that sold the card right away (the number is on the card) and ask them to freeze it. Keep the card and your receipt.
  4. Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
A store clerk may ask why you’re buying so many gift cards. They’re trying to help. Listen to them.

Talk to us before you pay, click or share anything

Call for the fastest response, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. Serving San Diego County.

Call 619-453-0165 Email contact@waitcheckfirst.com

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