West Virginia (WOAY)- Everyone loves gift cards.
Unfortunately, so do criminals, who are cooking up schemes to steal money from them.
This week is National Consumer Protection Week, and March 6 is the sixth annual National Slam the Scam Day.
To help protect consumers, the Retail Gift Card Association shares tips and resources on how to spot, prevent, and report scams involving gift cards.
Be on the lookout for some of these criminals’ favorite tactics, such as unexpectedly calling you with bad news.
Scammers often contact potential victims, claiming to be with a government agency, bank, or law enforcement, to intimidate and demand payment through gift cards.
Reputable organizations will not ask for gift cards as payment or ask for payment over the phone.
While unexpected good news, such as winning a prize, is often a welcome surprise, you are likely being scammed if you are told to make a payment to claim your prize.
Also, beware of calls and/or urgent pop-up warnings that your computer or other device has an issue.
Callers will contact you offering repair services and ask you to pay with a gift card, but don’t fall for it.
Finally, always remember that someone is likely trying to scam you if you’re feeling anxious, rushed, or pressured to provide information.
Visit thergca.org for more resources on identifying and avoiding gift card scams.
