Consumers of Gift Cards Can Be Targeted by scams
Understand • Avoid • Report
Gift cards are one of the most popular consumer products in history. Unfortunately, consumers are now targeted by scammers. Consumers can fight back by understanding the scams, avoiding the scams and reporting the scams.
Understand the scams
Gift card scams generally fall into two categories.
Payment Scams
Scammer deceives an unsuspecting consumer into buying a gift card.
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Tampering scams
Scammer tampers with the gift card packaging to steal the card information.
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Avoid the scams
Put yourself in the best position to avoid the scams.
Understand how the different types of scams are perpetrated.
Check Gift Card Packaging before purchasing.
Never respond to an urgent call, text or email to purchase gift cards without verifying the source.
report the scams
If you suspect gift card scams, report it.
Report the scam to the Consumer Division of your state.
Report the scam to a Federal Agency.
Report the scam to the Store where you purchased the card.
For more about gift card scams visit:
RGCA Consumer Center • FTC Consumer Advice • AARP Fraud Network