Target, eBay, or Walmart. But digital markets such as the Steam Store or Google Play Store are also vulnerable. Vanilla gift card scams, which go after VISA vanilla gift cards, are especially popular, because these cards are valid everywhere. ...
Don’t think you can only purchase gift cards to give to others as presents. You can use them for your own benefit. With a gift card, you are locked into a designated spending amount, which guards against impulse buys or shopping elsewhere when you shouldn’t. Plus, gift card discount a...
These forms of payment, while not unacceptable in every situation, are easy for scammers because they get their money fast and you can’t get it back. If you are purchasing something and are told you must pay with gift cards, that’s a red flag for an online scam. You are told that...
Gift cards are a popular purchase during the holidays. As a result, scammers see them as a great target. If you’re not buying a gift card directly from the retailer, it is possible for a scammer to sell you gift cards good for less money than advertised or already used up completely....
card or wire transfer.These forms of payment, while not unacceptable in every situation, are easy for scammers because they get their money fast and you can’t get it back. If you are purchasing something and are told you must pay with gift cards, that’s a red flag for an online ...
Getting a discount on credit cards starts with a little research. Plenty of third-party online sites offer low-priced gift cards, but they are not always reputable. To avoid being scammed and receiving a fake gift card with no balance, double-check the site and seller prior to purchasing a...
Gift cards generally act like cash, making it difficult to recover money sent in a gift card scam. However, the faster you react the better. According to theFTC, some gift card companies are flagging fraudulent transactions and freezing stolen gift card money, so it recommends a few steps if...
1. Gift Cards, Secret Shoppers, and the Allure of Fake Offers This scam works as follows: Consumers are drawn in by a phony email or social media post to become amystery shopperin exchange for some form of financial gain. When a consumer agrees to participate, the fraudster seals the dea...
Gift cards may be chosen as they are quick and an anonymous form of payment. Prepaid, reloadable debit cards may also be requested instead of wire transfers or company-specific gift cards. CashApp: CashApp is a quick way to transfer cash and pay for services and may be used by fraudsters...
Use Facebook-approved payment channels to send or receive money. Don’t pay with gift cards, as Facebook can’t track them. Meet the buyer or seller during day hours and in public places. Set up fraud alerts on your bank’s credit card. ...