Scams involving gift cards are on the rise. Scammers will convince their target to purchase a gift card and then provide them with the card number and PIN codes or send a photo of the card. They will create a sense of urgency and sometimes will ask that a specific gift card be purchased, even from a specific store. These types of scams begin with a text, email, telephone call, or message on social media.
A legitimate business or agency will never request payment with a gift card. Scammers will use different tactics saying they are with the government, technical support, utility companies, or dating websites. They will pose as a loved one, or call on behalf of a loved one, asking for money to be sent immediately. Some scammers will send a check for more than expected and ask that the difference be repaid in the form of a gift card.
Always keep a copy of gift cards and the store receipt. If fraud is suspected, use this information to report the scam to the gift card company and request a refund. Also report the scam to the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/.