Gift Card Fraud Prevention

Most gift card fraud happens when a scammer, pretending to be a family member or reputable entity (like the IRS, Social Security Administration, etc.), calls a consumer and asks them to pay taxes, hospital bills, bail or even utility bills with gift cards from well-known retail brands. Scammers may also impersonate a salesperson and request payment for things such as a car, boat, or vacation via gift cards.

Similarly, romance scams happen when a scammer pretends to form a romantic relationship with their intended victim, often via a dating app, messaging site, or a series of phone calls before asking for money in the form of gift cards. These scammers typically claim to be overseas and in need of urgent financial help.

Another form of gift card fraud happens when a criminal offers a high-value gift card via a website advertisement, email or text message. The scam directs consumers to a website that requires them to make purchases, provide personal information, and/or fulfill other conditions in order to receive the gift card. Once the conditions are met, the consumer may never receive the gift card or may have spent more than the value of the gift card.

Remember:

• Only use GameStop Gift Cards at a GameStop store or online at GameStop.com. GameStop Gift Cards cannot be used to pay bills, bail or taxes.
• Neither the IRS nor any other government entity will ever request payment over the phone, and they will NOT request payment in the form of gift cards.
• Never share a gift card or PIN over the phone or online, other than when you’re shopping on the website of the company that issued the card, especially with someone you don’t know.
• If someone calls you claiming a loved one of yours is in trouble, hang up and contact your loved one, or someone close to them, directly.
• Do not purchase a gift card if it looks as if it’s been tampered with, or if the PIN is exposed.
• Don’t respond to emails, text messages or online ads offering free gift cards unless you are expecting this communication from a company.
• Make sure the website address and branding match up with the company referenced in the offer.
• If you purchase a gift card online from someone who has previously owned the card, be cautious as the value on the gift card cannot be validated or protected by the gift card retailer.
• If you’ve been a victim of gift card fraud, report it to local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission or the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
• For more information refer to Gift Card Scams published by the Federal Trade Commission