Gift cards Scams
Why scammers love gift cards — and what to do if you've paid with one.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Gift cards are one of the clearest scam warning signs there is. Once you share the codes, the value can be drained instantly and is almost impossible to trace or recover — which is exactly why scammers demand them.
No legitimate business, government agency, bank, or employer asks to be paid in gift cards. Any such request — for a tax bill, a fine, a fee, a job, or a relationship — is a scam.
Common scams using Gift cards
Government impersonation
Fake tax, police or court demands insisting on gift-card payment.
Gift-card romance requests
An online partner asks you to buy cards and share the codes.
Tech support / refund scams
A 'support agent' has you buy gift cards to 'fix' or 'refund' something.
Common red flags
- Anyone asking to be paid in gift cards
- Being told to buy cards and read out or photograph the codes
- Urgency, secrecy, or threats attached to the request
- A 'refund' or 'fee' that must be paid by gift card
How to protect yourself
- Treat any gift-card payment request as a scam — full stop
- Never share gift-card numbers or PINs with anyone who contacts you
- Verify any 'official' demand through the organisation's real number
How to report it
- Contact the gift-card issuer immediately — unused value may be recoverable
- Report to your national fraud service
- Keep the cards, receipts, and any messages as evidence
Frequently asked questions
Can I get money back from a gift-card scam?
Sometimes, if you act fast. Call the card issuer's fraud line immediately — if the value hasn't been redeemed, they may be able to freeze it. The sooner you call, the better your chances.