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Glossary

Gift Card Payment Demand

A pressure tactic in which a romance scammer insists on gift cards as the payment method, using them because they are difficult to trace and non-refundable.

Also known as: iTunes scam, Google Play card fraud

Last reviewed: 10 June 2026

Gift cards are a favoured payment method in romance fraud because they are fast, anonymous, widely available, and nearly impossible to reverse once the code has been shared. Scammers request specific brands — often iTunes, Google Play, Steam, or Amazon gift cards — and ask for the card code to be photographed and sent directly.

The request is typically framed as the only available option given an urgent, emotionally loaded situation: the target is told they cannot wait for a bank transfer because of a deadline, that conventional banking is unavailable to them, or that gift cards are simply more convenient. In some cases, the scammer claims to be embarrassed about the request and apologises for the inconvenience, disarming the victim's suspicion.

No legitimate business, government agency, or genuine romantic partner will request payment in gift cards. This specific payment request is one of the clearest indicators that a situation is fraudulent.

Examples

  • A victim is told their online partner's passport has been confiscated and only a $500 iTunes gift card sent urgently will pay the release fee before their flight.
  • A supposed overseas partner asks for Steam gift card codes to cover hospital bills, claiming their bank account is frozen.

Sources