Have you heard of the gift card scam? The Hilliard Division of Police has recently investigated several cases involving individuals being scammed out money by sending gift cards.
If you get any call, text or letter requesting you pay anything by purchasing gift cards and sending the card numbers, it’s a scam!
There are a few ways you can help avoid scams:
- Don’t be in a rush to make any payment. Slow down and think about what is being asked of you. Never give out any personal information or information relating to bank accounts or credit card accounts over the phone.
- Talk to your vulnerable and elderly friends and family about scams and encourage them to take the time to check with you or any law enforcement before completing any unusual transactions. (In some cases, the scammer provides personal information such as family members’ names or addresses in an effort to threaten the victim. It is not uncommon for the scammer to get a few details about their target from social media.)
- If you work in retail and notice someone purchasing extra cards, consider engaging them in conversation about the purchase. A retail worker’s cautionary comments have saved many of our residents from being scammed!
Remember, no legitimate company or organization will ever ask for gift cards as a payment. If something doesn’t feel right — it probably isn’t right! Always feel free to call the police station or report it to Federal Trade Commission.
