Gift card scam : fonctionnement, signaux et que faire

Payment fraud · médio

Gift cards show up as payment in government impersonation, tech support, grandparent, romance and fake-CEO scams ("buy ten US$ 100 cards for clients and send me photos of the codes"). The victim goes to a store, buys the cards and sends the number and PIN by photo or phone.

There is also card tampering on store racks (card draining): criminals copy numbers from unactivated cards or swap packaging and drain the balance as soon as the customer loads them. In Brazil, prepaid cards and store or app vouchers are used the same way.

Sinais / Signs

Anyone, or any agency, demanding payment in gift cards
A request to send a photo of the back of the card with the code
Instructions to buy at several different stores
Being told to lie to the cashier if asked why
Torn, re-glued packaging or an exposed code

Prevenção / Prevention

Remember: gift cards are for gifts, never for paying debts, taxes or services
Confirm any "boss" request to buy cards through another channel
Buy cards kept behind the counter and check the packaging
Keep the purchase receipt
Use the card soon after buying it

O que fazer / What to do

Call the card issuer right away with the card number and receipt
Ask them to freeze any remaining balance
Report to the FTC (US) or file a police report (Brazil)
Tell the store where you bought it

FAQ

Why do scammers prefer gift cards?

Because the balance can be used or resold quickly, anonymously, and is hard to trace.

Can I get my money back?

Sometimes, if the balance has not been spent and you contact the issuer quickly.

FTC - ReportFraud · FBI IC3 - Internet Crime Complaint Center · Consumidor.gov.br