Protect Yourself From Gift Card Scams

Every year, scammers trick people into handing over money in the form of gift card payments.
 
With this type of fraud, scammers usually employ various tactics, such as claiming that you have received excess money or owe them a certain amount.

From there, they try to coerce you into purchasing gift cards and may try to gain access to your computer in an effort to gain unauthorized access to your bank accounts.

They may say it is urgent. They may tell you which gift card to buy, and what store you should buy it from. The truth is, scammers will say almost anything to get you to buy gift cards and hand over the card number and pin codes.

Below are some common red flags and precautionary measures you can take to protect yourself from falling prey to these scams:
 
  • No legitimate company will ask for Gift Cards as a payment: If someone poses as a representative of a legitimate company and requests payment in this form, it should immediately raise suspicions.
 
  • Businesses will never ask you to lie to their staff: If someone claims to be from a company and instructs you to provide false information to anyone - whether it be their employees, your friends or family, or even your bank - it is highly likely that they are attempting to defraud you.
 
  • Evaluate and scrutinize their claims carefully: Scammers often create a sense of urgency or panic to push their victims into immediate action. However, it is essential to remain calm and not rush into solving any supposed issues presented by these individuals. Take your time to evaluate the situation and scrutinize their claims carefully.
 
  • Ask Bank staff or someone you trust if you have any questions: When in doubt, always seek assistance from professionals or trusted individuals. If you receive any suspicious requests or encounter unfamiliar situations, don’t hesitate to consult with your bank staff or someone you trust. They can offer guidance and help you verify the legitimacy of the situation.

By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability to gift card scams. We hope that by sharing this information, we can raise awareness and empower people to identify and avoid falling victim to fraudulent activities.

Remember, vigilance and caution are the keys to staying safe in an increasingly digital world.