Beware of scammers: Gift Cards

In this article we’ll discover ways that scammers take your money by getting you to buy gift cards at the store and give them the numbers on the back of the card.   This is the second article on scams.  If you missed the first article on cashier’s checks, go here: https://www.a-thousand-words.org/post/beware-of-scammers-cashier-s-checks

According to the Federal Trade Commission, the only people who will ask you to buy a gift card from the store and read them the numbers on the back are scammers.  This scam is widespread and very popular. Scammers use this tactic because it is successful, and they can turn those numbers on the back into cash very quickly.

The most common method scammers use to get you to buy the gift card is to instill fear. They use a sense of urgency.  Getting you to fear a certain outcome if you don’t take care of the situation immediately.  Another method is to identify something you want and convince you that the only way to get it is to follow their instructions.  Don’t fall for it.  It’s a scam.  They will take your money, and you will be left with nothing but regret.

You will never meet the person trying to take your money.

Photo credit: Pexels - Towfiqu Babrhuiya

Here are a few scenarios that scammers use to get you to buy the gift card:

·      They say they’re from the Government: They will contact you and say they are from a Government organization, like the IRS or the Social Security Administration.  They will make it sound very official and believable.  They will tell you that you owe some kind of fine or have to pay a fee and that the situation can be taken care of quickly and painlessly if you buy a gift card in the necessary amount and read them the numbers on the back.  Don’t do it.  The Government doesn’t work that way.

·      They say your computer needs immediate attention: If you are contacted by anyone saying that your computer is about to crash and you need to give them remote access immediately, don’t do it.  They will say they are from a reputable institution.  They will be very convincing, but they are lying.  Once they have access to your computer, they can wreak all kinds of havoc, plant viruses – and then tell you that they can fix what they just broke if you buy the gift cards.

·      They say they’re from your utility company: A classic scenario of instilling fear by convincing you that your heat or electricity is about to be shut off.  If you are contacted by someone saying that they can make sure your utilities stay on if you purchase the required gift cards, it’s a scam.  Contact your utility company immediately to make sure you are in no danger of shut off.  This will also notify the utility company that scammers are pretending to be one of their employees.

·      They pretend to be someone you know: A scammer will pretend to be someone you know, or a friend of someone you know.  They will pretend that someone close to you, such as a grandchild or niece or nephew is in mortal peril.  It’s an emergency and it is up to you to save them.  Their dire situation can be rectified easily if you just buy the gift cards and follow their instructions.  Some scammers will go to the trouble of actually sounding like your loved one in peril to further sell the story.  Don’t fall for it.  Contact any family member or friend that can verify the safety of your loved one immediately.

·      They want a romantic relationship with you: These scammers prey on what you want; love, companionship and adoration.  You just have to pay them first.  Sounds completely legit, right?  Wrong.  They will tell you any story that they think will get you to give them money.  They won’t ask for just gift cards.  This scam is widespread.  Scammers all over the globe are preying on people using this tactic.  They will ask you to wire them money, mail them money, buy the gift cards – whatever it takes to make your money their money.

·      They say you’ve won a prize:  This scam involves convincing you that you’ve recently come into a large sum of money, or a valuable prize.  Some scammers will even send you a fake check to make it even more convincing.  Just pay the associated fees or required taxes, and it’s yours.  Any legitimate offer or notification of this type will not ask for gift cards to cover any fees.

A scammer will try to scare you, bully you; or pretend they are the greatest thing that ever happened to you.  Then they’ll ask for money.  It’s your hard-earned money.  Don’t give it to them.  Remember to check the validity of any story from any stranger.  They’re called gift cards for a reason.  They’re intended to be a gift; not a form of payment.

Be safe.  Be vigilant.  Be honest.

Source:

https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/avoiding-and-reporting-gift-card-scams