If you’re here because something feels off with a gift card you’ve bought, take a breath.
You’re not daft, and you’re not alone. Gift card scams are rising fast, and they’re catching normal people every day.
This follows new warnings after reports of gift card scams rising across the UK.
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Millions of pounds are lost each year, and it’s no longer just dodgy emails or strange phone calls. Some scams now happen before you’ve even left the shop.
The good news is that once you know what to look for, these scams are much easier to avoid.
One rule to remember from the start: Gift cards are for treats, not bills. No genuine organisation will ever ask you to pay this way.
Just bought a gift card? Do this before you leave the shop
This takes less than a minute and could save you a lot of stress.
- Check the packaging looks sealed and untouched
- Avoid cards with scratches, loose coverings, or signs of tampering
- Keep the receipt and make sure the card number matches it
If anything looks wrong, don’t buy it. Pick a different card or speak to staff.
Common gift card scams to watch out for
Fake messages from people you know
You get an email or text that looks like it’s from your boss, a friend, or a family member. They ask for a quick favour and want gift cards bought urgently.
The message feels right. The timing feels right. But it isn’t them.
Bogus offers and competitions
Social media posts or emails offering free or heavily discounted gift cards are almost always scams. Links lead to fake websites designed to steal details or trick you into paying.
If the offer sounds unreal, treat it as a warning sign.
Job and mystery shopper scams
Some scams pretend to be job offers. You’re told to buy gift cards as part of training or testing.
No real job asks you to spend your own money before you’ve even started work.
New and growing scam: gift card draining
This one catches people out because it can happen even when buying in-store.
Scammers copy gift card numbers from cards left on shop racks. When someone later buys and activates the card, the balance is drained almost instantly.
People only find out when the card is used and there’s nothing left on it.
Skint Dad says
If anyone asks you to pay with gift cards, it’s a scam. No bank, council, government body, or company works this way. Gift cards are for birthdays and thank yous, not pressure payments.
How to protect yourself
The number one rule is simple: gift cards are for gifts, not payments. No genuine company, government body, or charity will ever ask you to pay this way.
To stay safe:
- Only buy gift cards for people you know and trust.
- Double-check any unusual request, even if it appears to come from someone you know. Call them directly before taking action.
- Be cautious of online offers for free or cheap gift cards – they’re almost always scams.
- If you’re buying a gift card in a shop, check that the packaging hasn’t been tampered with. Scratches, tears, or reseals are warning signs.
What to do if you’ve been scammed
If you’ve been caught out, act quickly.
- Contact the gift card company straight away to see if they can block the card.
- Call your bank on 159 to let them know what’s happened.
- Report it to Action Fraud at reporting.actionfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call the police on 101.
- Citizens Advice can also help – phone them on 0808 223 1133.
Final word
Gift card scams work because people don’t expect them. Now you know the signs, you’re far less likely to be caught out.
If this helps you pause before sharing a code or buying a card that doesn’t look right, it’s done its job.
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