3 Mantras to Help You Avoid Gift Card Scams

The heart-wrenching story of Emma Mann, a 32-year-old cancer survivor from Halifax, exemplifies the dark side of gift card scams. Despite facing monumental challenges, including battling cancer and living with cognitive impairments, Emma got exploited by ruthless scammers who turned her vulnerability into their gain.

Like what happened to Emma, gift card scams are increasingly common and can have devastating financial impacts. To help you protect yourself, I simplified the prevention process into three easy-to-remember steps. Like the lifesaving mantras "stop, drop, and roll" or "just say no to drugs," these tips are easy to recall when needed. Let's empower ourselves and our loved ones with the steps to thwart these fraudulent schemes.

But first, let me explain what happened to Emma.

The Scam

Emma received a call alleging she was a victim of fraud and needed to buy gift cards to help recover her funds. Under pressure, she spent hours traveling around Halifax, purchasing thousands of dollars in gift cards. The scammers' relentless calls coerced her into spending nearly all her savings, leaving her with just $79 in her bank account. Sadly, Emma's case is far from unique.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), many impersonation scams are underreported. Many victims do not come forward, making it challenging to grasp the full extent of the problem. This underreporting further complicates efforts to fight against these frauds effectively.

(See what the FTC says about Gift Card Scams here.)

Scam Prevention

While I strive to educate the public about the dangers of gift card scams, I fear that people reading this might not be the ones who are most vulnerable to these frauds. Scammers target the most susceptible individuals, often those without access to resources or support systems that could help them identify and avoid scams.

Our community's input is invaluable. I am seeking innovative ways to extend our reach and protect the most at risk. If you have ideas or know effective strategies to broaden the sharing of this crucial information, please contribute to our efforts by commenting below, sharing this story publicly on social media, or talking privately with people at risk. I am committed to using every available platform, from social to traditional media, to combat these threats.

Easy-to-Remember Mantras

To support these efforts, I've distilled the vast amount of advice into three easy-to-remember steps, ensuring you always have the tools to protect yourself and your loved ones from these scams. This is what I have:

#1 - Gift Cards for Gifting

Remember, gift cards are for gifting. It is a scam if someone tells you to buy gift cards for any other purpose. It's that simple.

#2 - Vet, Don't Fret

Always confirm the legitimacy of any urgent request to buy gift cards. For instance, if you receive a text from "your boss" asking you to purchase gift cards and send the codes, take a moment to verify directly with your boss through a known contact method--email, phone call, etc. Similarly, if you get a call from "Geek Squad" about a virus on your computer, hang up and call the company using the official number found on their website. Taking a few extra minutes to confirm can save you significant stress and potential loss. (Here's how to reach Geek Squad.)

#3 - Pause and Ponder

If you feel pressured during a conversation or something doesn't seem right, stop and think it over. Consult with someone you trust before making any decisions. Discussing the situation aloud can offer a new perspective and expose potential scams that might not be obvious in the heat of the moment.

With these easy-to-remember steps, we can all help guard against scams. However, that's just a start. The next task is to address the aftermath of scams and support those affected.

Stopping Fraud Shame: A Critical Step

The National Cybersecurity Alliance and the AARP Fraud Watch Network collaborated on an article to explain "fraud shame," a term used to describe the humiliation and reluctance to admit being scammed. This often prevents victims from seeking help or even discussing the incident. This silence is detrimental not only to the victims but also aids the scammers in continuing their nefarious activities unchallenged.

The report highlights a worrying trend: even though many people recognize that fraud can happen to anyone, many still hold the victims culpable. This contradictory attitude can discourage open discussions about scams, making individuals less likely to report or talk about their experiences for fear of being judged or blamed.

As we share these steps to prevent scams, let's review our perspective on victimization too. Remember, anyone can be targeted by these sophisticated schemes, regardless of their vigilance. The real fault lies with the criminals, not the victims. By shifting our focus from blaming to understanding and supporting, we can create a safer environment for everyone. Encouraging open conversations about such experiences is vital, as it not only aids in recovery but also enhances our collective awareness and prevention efforts.

What You Can Do to Help

• If you know someone who has been scammed, offer your support rather than judgment. This can significantly affect their willingness to report the incident.
• Promote and participate in educational initiatives to spread awareness about the signs of scams and the importance of reporting them.
• Use platforms like social media, community gatherings, and family discussions to share these easy-to-remember mantras to help others avoid getting scammed.

By adopting these preventative measures and supporting each other, we can thwart scammers and secure our community. Let's ensure that Emma's story catalyzes change and is not just another tale of loss. Together, we can foster an environment of awareness and safety, safeguarding ourselves and our loved ones against the scourge of gift card scams.

Got Gift Card Questions?

Have you seen the gift card balance check scam or the gift card activation scam? Those are avoidable too. 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 I'm filling 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