Scam guides › Gift card payment request
Someone wants payment in gift cards. Is it a scam?
Updated . By the AskBeforeYouSend editorial team (how we fact-check). Fact-checked against the official sources listed at the bottom.
Short answer: Yes. The FTC says only scammers will tell you to buy a gift card, like a Google Play or Apple card, and give them the numbers off the back. No real business or government agency will ever tell you to buy a gift card to pay them.
What it looks like
To avoid your account being closed, buy two $500 Apple gift cards at Walgreens and read me the numbers on the back. Don't tell the cashier what they're for.
A made-up example. "Don't tell the cashier" is a common line, because cashiers are trained to spot this.
How the scam works
- Any scam story, from the IRS to tech support to a grandchild, can end with "buy gift cards".
- They ask you to read or photograph the numbers on the back.
- Once they have the numbers, the money is gone in minutes.
Red flags
- Any bill, fine or fee paid with gift cards
- "Read me the numbers on the back"
- "Don't tell the cashier"
- Several cards from different stores
What to do now
- Stop. Don't give anyone the numbers.
- If you already did, contact the gift card company right away. Tell them it was a scam and ask for a refund.
- Keep the cards and receipts.
- Report it to the FTC.
Never send money, gift cards, crypto or verification codes because of a call, text or message. Hang up and call the real number.
Report it
Questions
Can I get my gift card money back?
Sometimes. The FTC says to report it to the card company right away, no matter how long ago it happened, and ask for your money back.
Sources
- FTC: Avoiding and reporting gift card scams
- IRS: How taxpayers can protect themselves from gift card scams
Example messages are made up to show the pattern unless we say otherwise. Phone numbers in examples use the fictional 555 range.
Get next week's scam before it reaches you
One short email a week: the newest scam going around, a real example, the warning signs, and exactly what to do. Free, always. Plus a free printable Scam-Proof Fridge Sheet and Family Safety Checklist.