Don’t Fall For the Gift Card Scam

Read Time:9 Minute, 15 Second

I have seen it many times before, people constantly telling stories about getting scammed by purchasing Apple Gift Cards. Most stories may sound alike, but many are unique.

Today, we are going to talk about a few differences in gift card scams and how we can avoid them.

Getting scammed out of Apple gift cards (or any gift cards) is a common tactic used by fraudsters. Here are the most frequent and sneaky ways it happens:

🔴 1. The “Urgent Request” Scam

Scenario: Someone pretends to be your boss, friend, or family member and sends you a message like:

“Hey, I’m in a meeting, can you grab a few Apple gift cards for me? I’ll pay you back.”

Tactic: They ask you to scratch off the card, take a photo, and send them the code.

How it works:

You get a text or email from someone impersonating a person you trust — a boss, coworker, or family member — saying they’re in a bind and urgently need Apple gift cards.

Examples:

“Hey, I’m stuck in a meeting. Can you run out and grab a few $100 Apple gift cards? I’ll pay you back.”
“It’s for a client gift – need them ASAP, don’t tell anyone.”

The trick:

They rely on urgency and trust, making you act before you question it. Once you send the codes, the scammer cashes them in immediately.

✅ Prevention Tips:

Verify the request: Call or text the person directly (don’t reply to the original message).
Slow down: Scammers want you to rush — take a moment to think.
Red flag: No legit boss or friend asks for gift cards over text or email.

🔴 2. Tech Support Scams

Scenario: A pop-up or call claims your Apple/iCloud account is compromised.

Tactic: They say the only way to fix it is to pay a “security fee” using Apple gift cards.

Spoiler alert: Apple will never ask for payment via gift cards.

How it works:

You get a call, email, or pop-up saying there’s an issue with your Apple ID, iCloud account, or device — and the “Apple support rep” needs payment to fix it.

Examples:

A fake warning that your iPhone has a virus.
A message saying your Apple ID was compromised.

The trick:

They claim gift cards are the fastest way to “secure” your account. Real tech support (Apple or otherwise) will NEVER ask for payment via gift cards.

✅ Prevention Tips:

Don’t trust pop-ups or random calls: Apple does not call people about account issues or request payment via gift cards.
Hang up immediately: If someone says your device is compromised and asks for gift cards, it’s a scam.
Contact Apple directly: Use support.apple.com.

🔴 3. IRS or Government Impersonation Scams

Scenario: You get a call saying you owe taxes or have a warrant out for your arrest.

Tactic: You’re told to pay the “fine” immediately using Apple gift cards or face jail time.

How it works:

You receive a call or voicemail from someone claiming to be with the IRS, Social Security, or another government agency. They say you owe taxes, have a warrant, or your benefits are in danger.

Examples:

“You owe $1,200 in back taxes. If you don’t pay within the hour using Apple gift cards, police will arrest you.”
“Your Social Security Number has been suspended. Pay now to reactivate.”

The trick:

They scare you into paying quickly and quietly — and tell you to stay on the phone while you buy and read off the gift card codes.

✅ Prevention Tips:

No government agency accepts gift cards: Not the IRS, Social Security, police, or courts.
They will never threaten you by phone/email: Real agencies send official mail and give you due process.
Hang up or delete the message. Report the scam to reportfraud.ftc.gov.

🔴 4. Online Marketplace Scams

Scenario: You’re selling something on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc.

Tactic: The scammer offers to “overpay” and says you need to send back the difference in Apple gift cards.

Another version: they offer to buy something from you using Apple gift cards and vanish after you send the code.

How it works:

You’re selling something online (e.g., on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Craigslist) and someone wants to pay using Apple gift cards. Or, they send you a fake “overpayment” and ask you to return the difference in gift cards.

Examples:

“Can I pay with Apple gift cards?”
“Oops, I sent $100 too much on Zelle — can you send the difference back in Apple cards?”

The trick:

They’re banking on your trust or confusion, and once they get the code, they ghost you — and you’re left with nothing.

✅ Prevention Tips:

Never accept gift cards as payment. Use secure payment platforms (Cash App, PayPal, Venmo, etc.).
Don’t send gift cards to strangers: Once the code is out, the money is gone.
If the deal sounds too good to be true — it is.

🔴 5. Romance Scams

Scenario: Someone you’ve met online (often long-distance) says they need money for a phone, ticket, or emergency.

Tactic: Instead of asking for cash, they say,

“Can you just send me an Apple gift card? It’s easier.”

How it works:

You meet someone online through a dating app, social media, or game. They seem charming, say all the right things, and quickly develop a connection with you. Then comes the “emergency”…

Examples:

“I want to come visit you, but I need help booking my flight.”
“My phone broke and I can’t contact anyone unless I get a new iPhone.”
“I can’t access my bank account while traveling. Can you send an Apple gift card?”

The trick:

They play on your emotions. The scammer builds trust over days or even weeks before asking for gift cards — often claiming it’s temporary, and they’ll pay you back.

Red flag:

Real relationships don’t require gift cards.

✅ Prevention Tips:

Be cautious with online relationships: Especially if they ask for money or gifts.
Don’t send gift cards “to help.” If you’ve never met in person, don’t trust financial requests.
Talk to a trusted friend or family member before sending anything.

🔴 6. Giveaway or Prize Scams

Scenario: You’re told you’ve won a prize or a giveaway (iPhone, trip, etc.).

Tactic: To claim it, you must “verify your identity” or “pay a processing fee” with… You guessed it… an Apple gift card.

How it works:

You’re told you’ve won something — a new iPhone, a sweepstakes, cash, or a vacation. But there’s a catch: before you can claim your prize, you need to pay a small “processing fee” or “tax” using an Apple gift card.

Examples:

“Congrats! You’ve won an iPhone 15. Just send a $100 Apple gift card to cover shipping.”
“To claim your prize, verify your identity with a $50 Apple gift card.”

The trick:

It sounds like a sweet deal, and the small cost seems worth it — but there is no prize. Once you send the gift card code, they vanish.

Red flag:

Legitimate contests never ask winners to pay to receive a prize.

✅ Prevention Tips:

Real prizes don’t have fees: If you’re asked to pay to win, it’s a scam.
Don’t give out personal info or codes.
Report and block the sender.

🔴 7. Job Offer Scams

Scenario: You apply for a remote job. They “hire” you quickly.

Tactic: They say you need to buy supplies with an Apple gift card and will “reimburse” you. They won’t.

How it works:

You apply for a remote job and quickly get “hired.” The employer says they’ll reimburse you, but you need to buy your own equipment or setup using Apple gift cards.

Examples:

“You’ll be working from home — go ahead and buy a MacBook with an Apple gift card, and we’ll pay you back.”
“Our finance department uses Apple cards to track expenses. Send us the code so we can log your first purchase.”

The trick:

Scammers often spoof company names or job sites. They prey on people looking for work, especially in remote or entry-level roles.

Red flag:

No real job will ever ask you to buy equipment with gift cards — ever.

✅ Prevention Tips:

No real job makes you pay to get hired. Ever.
Research the company independently. Contact them through official channels, not via email links or texts.
Don’t send gift cards or your personal info before a proper interview.

🔴 8. Blackmail or Sextortion Scams

Scenario: Someone claims to have compromising photos or messages of you.

Tactic: They threaten to expose you unless you pay them with Apple gift cards.

🚨 Warning Signs to Watch Out For:

Anyone asking you to pay with a gift card for ANY service or fine.
Anyone asking for a photo of the scratched-off code.
A sense of urgency or secrecy: “Don’t tell anyone,” or “Do it now or else.”
Emails or texts with slightly wrong spellings of Apple (e.g., “AppIe” with a capital i).

How it works:

You receive a threatening message claiming that the sender has compromising photos, videos, or information about you, and they will release it unless you send them an Apple gift card.

Examples:

“We have access to your webcam footage and browser history. Pay us $500 in Apple gift cards or we’ll send it to your contacts.”
“We saw your private messages/photos. Pay now, or everyone you know will see them.”

The trick:

They rely on fear and shame to force you into silence and quick action. Many times, they have nothing at all, but the threat is enough to scare people into paying.

Red flag:

This is digital extortion. Do not respond. Save everything and report it.

✅ Prevention Tips:

Don’t engage. Don’t respond to demands.
Take screenshots and report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and your local police.
Strengthen your online privacy (use strong passwords, cover webcams, avoid oversharing).