Someone wants me to pay with gift cards

No government agency, power company, bank, or store will ever ask you to pay with gift cards. Only scammers do. Once the numbers on the card are shared, the money is very hard to get back.

Stories scammers use

• "This is the IRS. You owe money or you will be arrested."
• "Your grandchild is in trouble and needs help. Please do not tell anyone."
• "Your Amazon account was used. Buy cards to protect it."
• "Your power will be shut off today unless you pay."

If you hear a story like this, hang up or stop replying. Call the person or company yourself, using a number you already have.

If you have not bought cards yet

1. Do not buy them.
2. Hang up. Tell a family member or call us.

If you already bought them or shared the numbers

1. Keep the cards and the receipts.
2. Call the gift card company at the number on the back of the card. Tell them it was a scam. Sometimes they can freeze the money.
3. Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov. This is the government site for reporting fraud. We can help you fill it out.
4. Tell someone you trust. This happens to smart, careful people.

It is nothing to be embarrassed about. We are glad to sit down with you and help.

Still stuck? Call us at (540) 613-1472.