Gift Card Scams and Limited Remedies
Scammers love gift cards because they're like cash and hard to trace. Recovery is difficult, but here are the steps you must take.
1. Immediately Contact the Gift Card Company
As soon as you realize it's a scam, call the customer service number for the gift card issuer (e.g., Apple, Google Play, Target). You can usually find this number on the back of the card or online. Tell them the gift card was used in a scam.
2. Provide the Card Details
Have the physical gift card and your store receipt ready. You will need to provide the gift card number and PIN. Ask if the funds are still on the card and if they can freeze the card or refund the money. Speed is essential, as scammers drain the funds very quickly.
3. Keep All Evidence
Do not throw away the physical gift card or the receipt. They are your primary evidence. Take clear photos of the front and back of the card and the activation receipt.
4. Report the Scam
Even if the money is gone, report the scam to the FTC (ReportFraud.ftc.gov) and the FBI's IC3 (ic3.gov). Also, report it to the store where you purchased the cards. This helps authorities track trends and can warn stores about ongoing scams.