Calls scam · added Oct 29, 2026

Gift cards are for gifts, never for payments.

A caller or text says your bank accounts are about to be frozen, your boss needs a favor, or a relative is in trouble. The fix is always gift cards.

Case OfficerText message

Recreation

Spot the tell. Tap the part that gives this scam away.

The tell

To protect your money, buy $500 in gift cards now and send me the numbers and PINs off the back.

Anyone asking you to pay with a gift card. No real business or government agency will ever ask.

Example from our recreation.

How it works

An urgent story from an official, tech support, your boss or a relative in trouble.
They tell you to buy gift cards, sometimes at several stores, and may stay on the phone while you buy.
You send the numbers and PIN off the back. Those numbers are the money, and it can be gone fast.

What to do

Stop. Don't buy the cards.
Hang up and call back on a number you already know is real.
Never share a gift card number, PIN or photo of the card.

Already fell for it?

Already sent the numbers? Call the gift card company right away using the number on the back of the card, tell them a scammer got the number and PIN, ask for a refund, and keep the card and receipt. Then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

What to do if you were scammed