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Fraud guide

Gift card scams

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Top tips to stay safe

A gift card scam is when someone pressures you to buy a gift card and share the code or a photo of it. Once they have the code, they can spend the money.

  1. Don’t share a gift card code or photo of the card with someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
  2. Take a moment if you feel rushed. Scammers often try to make you act before you’ve had time to think.
  3. Before you buy or share a gift card, check the request with someone you trust.
  4. Remember, your bank, the police or HMRC will never ask you to pay or help with an investigation using gift cards.
  5. If you’re asked to buy gift cards to claim a prize, unlock an offer or help someone, stop and check it’s genuine. 

How to spot gift card scams

Scammers can use convincing stories to make buying and sharing gift cards seem normal, urgent or helpful.

  • Fake friendship: Someone may build trust with you online, then ask for gift card codes to help with a money problem. They may say they’ll pay you back.
  • Fake bank, police or HMRC contact: Someone may say they’re investigating fraud and ask you to buy gift cards to help. Real organisations won’t ask you to do this.
  • Fake friend or family message: You may get an email or message that looks like it’s from someone you know, asking you to buy gift cards for an emergency.
  • Fake boss or work request: Someone may pretend to be your manager and ask you to buy gift cards for staff rewards or a work event.

If you think this has happened to you, don’t share the gift card code. Call us using the number on the back of your card. You can also contact the retailer and ask if they can cancel the gift card.