Glossary
Gift card payment
Gift card payment: Gift card payment is the demand that you pay a debt, fee or fine by buying gift cards and reading the numbers over the phone; it is the signature of a scam because the money is untraceable and irreversible.
Updated February 1, 2027
An example
"Go to Walgreens, buy four $500 Apple gift cards and read me the codes."
Why it matters to you
No government agency, utility, company or legitimate person is paid in gift cards. The request is the proof.
Where to go next
See also
- Vishing
Vishing is phishing by phone call: a caller impersonates a bank, government agency or family member to get money or account access.