The gift card scam: why only scammers ask you to pay with one
Someone tells you to buy gift cards and read them the numbers. Here are the stories they use, and what to do if you already did.
Scam guide · Updated October 27, 2026
The short answer
If someone tells you to buy a gift card and read them the numbers on the back, it's a scam. The FTC says only scammers will do this, and that no real business or government agency will ever tell you to buy a gift card to pay them. (FTC)
Who the scammer says they are
The FTC says gift card scams start with a call, text, email or social media message, and lists the stories scammers use. (FTC)
- Government. They say they're from the IRS, the Social Security Administration or even the FTC and that you owe taxes or a fine. The FTC says government agencies never demand payment by gift card.
- Tech support. They say they're from Microsoft or Apple, ask for remote access to your computer and tell you to pay to get it fixed.
- A relative in trouble. They say a friend or family member has an emergency and ask you to send money right away without telling anyone. The FTC says a scammer using voice cloning may sound just like your loved one.
- A prize. They say you've won, but you have to pay fees with a gift card first.
- Your utility company. They threaten to cut off service unless you pay immediately.
- Someone you met online. A romance scammer invents a story to get you to buy a gift card.
- A check for too much. They send a check for more than you expected and ask you to deposit it and give them the difference on a gift card. The FTC says the check will be fake.
What to do if you already gave someone the numbers
- Contact the gift card company right away. The FTC says to report it no matter how long ago it happened, and to use the number on the back of the card. (FTC)
- Tell them a scammer tricked you into giving the card number and PIN, and ask them to refund your money. The FTC says some companies are helping stop gift card scams and might give your money back.
- Keep the card and the store receipt. The FTC says you may need them to follow up on your claim.
- Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
The FTC says refunds aren't guaranteed. It says it's worth asking.
A rule you can use on any message
Nobody legitimate needs payment in gift cards. If a message, call or website asks for them, stop and check the claim another way: look up the company's number yourself and call it, or ask someone you trust.
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Common questions
Can a real company ask me to pay with a gift card?
No. The FTC says no real business or government agency will ever tell you to buy a gift card to pay them.
What should I do if I already gave a scammer a gift card number?
The FTC says to report it to the gift card company right away, tell them a scammer tricked you, ask for your money back, and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Should I keep the gift card and receipt?
Yes. The FTC says to keep a copy of the gift card and the store receipt and use them to report the scam to the gift card company.
Does the IRS or Social Security ask for gift cards?
No. The FTC says government agencies won't contact you to demand immediate payment, and they never demand payment by gift card.
Related: how to help your parents avoid scams, the utility shutoff text scam, the police impersonation scam, the jury duty scam and how to report a scam text.
ScamSensor isn't affiliated with the Federal Trade Commission. Source: FTC Consumer Advice, read October 27, 2026.
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