How it works
Scammers ask for payment in iTunes, Google Play, Steam, or Amazon gift cards because they're untraceable and irreversible once the codes are shared.
Red flags
- Anyone asking for payment in gift cards
- Pressure to buy them at multiple stores
- Instruction to read the codes over the phone
Real-world example
"Your boss / a government agent / your grandson tells you to buy $500 in gift cards and read the numbers off the back."
What to do
- 01Stop. No legitimate organization or person ever wants to be paid in gift cards.
- 02If you've already shared codes, contact the card issuer immediately — sometimes funds can still be frozen.
- 03Report to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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