Gift cards are a favorite payment method for scammers, because the money is hard to trace and get back.
Red flags
- Anyone who tells you to pay a bill, fine or fee with gift cards
- Requests to read out the numbers on the back of a card
- Messages from a "boss" or "friend" asking you to buy cards urgently
- Cards on a store rack with scratched or exposed PINs
If it happened
Contact the company that issued the card right away and ask if they can freeze the money. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
General educational information. Dollar Petal isn't paid by any store, brand or gift card company.