How to spot a gift card scam in 10 seconds
Published 2026-11-08
Gift card scams are everywhere. Here's the quick checklist.
- They ask for money to release a prize. Always a scam.
- You "won" something you never entered. Scam.
- Countdown timers and "only 3 left". Pressure tactic.
- Fake testimonials with stock photos. Red flag.
- Claims to be the retailer but the domain isn't the retailer's.
- Requests for passwords, SSN, or card numbers. Never.
What legitimate programs look like
They tell you up front that the reward is earned by completing offers, state that some offers may cost money, say clearly they're not the retailer, and never charge you to claim.
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