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Read this before someone fools you with a Gift Card Scam!

Read this before someone fools you with a Gift Card Scam!

Gift cards are for gifts, not payments. Anyone who demands payment by gift card is always a scammer.

Highlights:

    • How Gift Card Scam happens?
    • What to do if you have paid a scammer via gift card
    • General precautions to follow while giving and receiving gift cards

Let’s understand the methodology of a gift card scammer so that we can prevent any such fraud and keep our hard earned money safe.

How Gift Card Scam happens?

Have you came across an imposter asking you to pay via gift cards? Even if you have been lucky, it is time to be alert from such frauds. Someone might call you and claim to be from the ATO, collecting back taxes or fines. The caller might say he’s from tech support, asking for money to fix your computer. The caller might even say she’s a family member with an emergency and needs money right now.

There is a sense of urgency in their call. They will ask you to deposit money right away. Nowadays, these fraudsters will ask you to put money in a gift card, frequently, iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon. The caller will ask you to buy the card from a nearby store. As soon as you buy the card, they will ask the gift card number and the pin on the back of the card. They will immediately get the money you loaded on the card. As soon as the process is done, the caller and your money is gone. Unfortunately, you can’t even trace them. The person can ask you to pay via gift card can approach you via email too.
 

What to do if you have paid a scammer via gift card

 
Immediately report the scams, if you have become a victim of gift card scam. Notify your local police or visit www.scamwatch.gov.au.
In case the scam involves iTunes cards, follow the following procedure.
 

iTunes

 
Call Apple Support right away at 1300 321 456. Say “gift card” to connect with a live representative.
 
Ask if the money is still on the iTunes card. If so, Apple can put a freeze on it. You might be able to get your money back from them.
 
Keep the iTunes card itself and your receipt for the iTunes card.
 

General precautions to follow while giving and receiving gift cards:

 
  • Buy gift cards from sources you know and trust.
  • Inspect a gift card before you buy it.
  • Keep the receipt with the gift card.
  • Read the terms and conditions of the gift card.
  • Use the card as soon as you can.
  • Treat gift cards like cash.
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