Protect Yourself and Loved Ones from Gift Card Payment Scams
Protect Yourself and Loved Ones from Gift Card Payment Scams
In 2020, AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline callers reported nearly $150 million in losses, and 27 percent of the callers reported losses from gift card payments, sometimes called “electronic vouchers.”
Some gift card brands mentioned by Helpline callers include: eBay iTunes Best Buy Apple Google Play Nike vanilla Xbox
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Gift Card Payment Scams
Payment by gift card It s a scam
Gift cards are popular and convenient… and not just for gifts. Con artists have latched onto gift cards as a convenient form of payment in their scams. In a 2022 , 1 in 3 adults said they or someone they know had been asked at some point to purchase a gift card to pay a bill, fee or some other debt or obligation or to claim a prize. About one in four adults who were contacted reported they bought the cards, or approximately 13 million U.S. adults ages 18 and older.Signs to watch for br
1. You’re directed to buy one or more gift cards — often referred to as “electronic vouchers” — as a quick means of making payment. 2. You’re told to share the numbers on the back of the gift cards, by reading them off or sending a picture. 3. The request comes from someone you wouldn’t expect to ask for money this way: A warning of a problem with your account A warning of an imminent shutoff A promising a big prize — once you pay some fees upfront A or facing another financial emergency. Keep up with the latest scams by signing up for .How to Protect Yourself
AARP survey finds some deceived into buying cards for strangers
Top 5 Scams and How to Avoid Them
Join our free webinar, , and learn why criminals might ask you for gift cards.See a Scam Report It
Option 1: Report your encounter to the AARP . You'll be able to speak to a fraud specialist and data from the Helpline will be shared with the Federal Trade Commission and used to identify trends and build cases against criminals. Option 2: Report your encounter on the AARP . Your report will help warn others in your area.How AARP Can Help
Knowledge gives you power over scams. The TM equips you with reliable, up-to-date insights, and our free fraud Helpline is available to help you and loved ones if you need it. We also advocate at the state, federal, and local levels to enact policy changes that protect consumers and enforce laws. With AARP as your partner, you’ll be better equipped to stay ahead of scammers.Get the information you need to protect yourself
See scams in your area or report a gift card scam
Keep up with scams involving gift card payments AARP is fighting for you: According to the , gift cards are one of the most popular and convenient ways for scammers to request payment. AARP is committed to cutting off this source of criminal money transfer by helping consumers identify warning signs and working with retailers on how to spot and intervene in a crime involving gift cards. In our own survey conducted March-May 2021, more than one in five respondents had been approached by someone who asked them to make a payment using gift cards.
Common Scams Involving Gift Card Payments
Why Scammers Love Gift Card Payments
Readily available Virtually untraceable Easily converted to cash or bitcoin Ability to move large amounts of money in small parcelsTrue Stories of Gift Card Scams
Heartbroken 55-year-old unknowingly helped launder ill-gotten gains
To scammers, gift cards are good as gold, hard to trace and hard to replace
Impostors prey on the faithful for funds — and keep the loot
'Grandchild in jail' scheme costs Americans millions
Romance scammers asked for money in gift cards
Heard on the Helpline
In 2020, AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline callers reported nearly $150 million in losses, and 27 percent of the callers reported losses from gift card payments, sometimes called “electronic vouchers.”
Some gift card brands mentioned by Helpline callers include: eBay iTunes Best Buy Apple Google Play Nike vanilla Xbox
American Express VISA PlayStation Steam Home Depot Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures