| We humans are generally helpful by nature, and this tendency is something criminals often seek to manipulate, whether it’s a sham tug-at-your-heartstrings charity, a fake crisis of a loved one or now the “Can you do me a favor?” scam. The latter typically involves criminals posing as bosses, friends, family members or even a local faith leader. But they all have one thing in common—a request for gift cards. |
| How It Works• You receive a brief but urgent message from someone you know asking for a quick favor—run to the store and pick up some gift cards, and they’ll reimburse you later.•The message can come by email, text or social media, and the sender claims to be traveling or is otherwise tied up.•The ask may come from a supervisor at work who needs the gift cards for an employee appreciation event, a faith leader who is looking to quickly help a family in need, or a family member or friend.•The request is for specific gift cards and a specific amount, and they ask you to snap photos of the front and back (exposing the PIN) and send the pictures. What You Should Know• Gift cards are attractive to criminals—they are everywhere, aren’t generally trackable and can be converted to cash in an instant.•Anytime someone asks you to buy gift cards and share the numbers off the back, it’s a scam—full stop. What You Should Do• Verify. If you get a message like this, contact the person in a way you know to be legitimate and ask them if they sent it.•If you buy gift cards only to later learn it was part of a scam, contact the retailer or card issuer immediately. If the funds weren’t drained in full, you may be able to get some of your money back.•Remember that all scams are crimes. If you ever experience financial loss from a scam, contact the police to file a report. If you get resistance, persist so you have a formal record in the event of possible future restitution. |