Don’t Get Scammed: How to Spot Fake Gift Card Balance Check Sites

As a consumer guide to gift cards, I am keenly aware of the number of gift card scams that unfortunately exist. One prevalent fraud scheme involves tricking people into entering their gift card numbers into fake gift card balance checkers so they (the crooks) can steal the value of their cards. The mechanics of this gift card scam are surprisingly simple yet highly effective. 

Here's how this scam works and how you can avoid it.

What are Fake Gift Card Balance Checkers

The most important thing to understand about nearly every gift card scam is that you don't need a physical card to access the card's value. With just the gift card number (and PIN if applicable), fraudsters can use the card value online, sell it, or create a counterfeit card. That's why protecting the card number is so important--and why you can easily lose the value of a gift card if you enter it on a scam site.

(If you read the blog post on Fake Gift Card Activation sites, you know where this is going.)

A common scenario looks like this: scammers create a fake website with a URL that is almost identical to a legitimate one. For example, to check the balance of a Visa or Mastercard gift card, you need to go to the web address listed on the back of the gift card. Some popular sites include MyPrepaidCenter.com, MyBalanceNow.com, and VanillaGift.com.

The fake sites use similar URLs—perhaps a single letter, number, or word different. Scammers do the same with branded gift cards, trying to lure people into typing card numbers for popular gift cards like Google Play, eBay, Amazon, and more.

If you accidentally land on the wrong site and type in your gift card number to check the balance, the scammers will swipe the money from the card before you know what's happened.

But don't worry—there is good news here.

How to AVOID Fake Gift Card Balance Checkers

The answer is simple.

Gift card issuers generally print the balance check website on the back of their gift cards.

So you don't have to guess. Just enter the website address (exactly as written) into the URL bar on your browser. Some brands even require that you log into an account first or check the card balance via an app. This practice ensures you get to the right site and, in many cases, ties the gift card to your account—a handy feature that keeps the card secure and helps you remember to use it on your next purchase.

If you're not comfortable typing the balance check URL in a web browser, look for a telephone number on the back of the card. Then call the number and follow the prompts until you get the balance.

Lastly, if the card is redeemable at a physical location, you can visit the store or restaurant and ask a cashier to check the gift card balance. So to recap, you have these three choices:

1. Look for a website address on the back of the card. Type the website address into the URL bar at the top of a browser. If the card requires you to log in or activate via an app, those instructions should be written somewhere on the gift card packaging.
2. Call the number on the back of the card. If you don't want to risk landing on a fake gift card balance check website, look for a telephone number on the back of the card. Call the number and follow the prompts.
3. Visit the store or restaurant. If you want an employee to check the balance of the gift card for you, stop by your nearest location and ask for help. While that's not always a convenient solution, it will save you a trip if you decide to redeem the gift card while you're there.

Pick the process that seems easiest for you to do.

In the photo below, you'll see three different Visa gift card balance check sites. 

PRO TIP! Don't Do a Search

It's tempting to start typing the website address into the search bar and let Google do the rest of the work for you, but that's not safe. Always type the full website address directly into your browser's URL bar when checking your gift card balance. Then double-check that the URL you're on matches the official site printed on the back of your gift card.

Here are a few examples of card backs, showing that each card provides instructions for how to safely check the balance of these gift cards.

This Google Play gift card provides a web address...and to be honest, it's a long one. So I understand not wanting to enter it directly, but I still suggest that's the safest way to find the Google Play Balance Check Website. This card also warns of Google Play gift card scams.

SIDEBAR: Google Play Gift Cards

Google Play gift cards are among the favorites for scammers. So, it's crucial to be extra cautious if someone instructs you to purchase a Google Play gift card for any reason other than its intended use on Google's platforms. This alert is particularly relevant in light of recent scam tactics which often push victims into quick decisions without time for verification.

For more detailed insights into avoiding these and other gift card scams, check out our discussion on "3 Mantras to Help You Avoid Gift Card Scams." Together, we can better understand and combat these fraudulent schemes.

The Apple gift card, of course, has a different web address and phone number. Here's how to check the balance of an Apple gift card. Enter the site listed or call 800-275-2273.

I could share more examples, but I think you get the point.

Don't fall victim to

In summary, remember three things:

1. If someone gets access to your gift card number, they can drain the value without having the physical plastic.
2. Avoid searching for gift card balance checkers. Look for a web address and/or a phone number instead.
3. Always verify that the website address matches your card before entering your gift card information.

When in doubt, visit the store or restaurant and ask a cashier for help.

Got Gift Card Questions?

What other gift card questions do you have? Let me know in the comments below, and I'll answer you there or write a blog post for more details. 

Until then, I'm your consumer guide to gift cards and will fill this site with helpful resources and reliable information to give you peace of mind in every gift.

Happy gifting,

Shelley Hunter, Consumer Guide to Gift Cards