Gift Card Scams
December 1, 2025
Making a payment by gift card is never a good idea. Scammers love gift cards because they can easily be purchased online and at many stores across the country, are virtually impossible to track, can be converted to cash or cryptocurrency, and offer a way to move large amounts of money in small packages.
There are a few key signs to watch for that will help you determine whether a payment request is a scam, including:
- You are asked to purchase one or more gift cards, otherwise known as electronic vouchers, and to send payment quickly.
- The scammer asks you to share the numbers on the back of a gift card.
- The message comes from someone you do not know or someone you would not expect to request money this way, including a government organization, utility company, lottery company, family member, etc.
If you believe you have been the victim of gift card fraud, report the incident with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.