If you remember only one thing from this post, make it this: anyone who tells you to pay with a gift card is scamming you.
The IRS, the police, your utility company, Medicare, Amazon, Apple, and your bank will never ask you to pay a bill, a fine, or a fee with gift cards.
Why scammers love gift cards
Once you read the numbers off the back of a card, the money is gone almost instantly. It's hard to trace and nearly impossible to get back. That's the whole reason they ask for them.
How the request usually sounds
"You owe back taxes, and you'll be arrested today unless you pay."
"Your power will be shut off in an hour."
"Your grandson is in trouble and needs bail money."
"Your computer has a virus. Buy these cards to pay for the repair."
They may even stay on the phone with you while you drive to the store and tell you not to explain anything to the cashier. That secrecy is a huge warning sign.
Scammers count on you acting before you think. The Scam-Check Workbook gives you a pause button: a short set of questions to answer before any money leaves your hands.
What to do
Hang up and verify the claim yourself using a number you look up. [Link: Someone Says I Owe Money: How to Verify It Before You Pay]
If a cashier asks you questions about your gift card purchase, let them help. They're trained to spot this.
If you already gave someone gift card numbers, contact the company that issued the card right away and report it. Keep the card and your receipt.
Before sending money in any form, run through these questions first. [Link: The Scam Test: 7 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Sending Money]
Keep a plan by the phone. The Scam-Check Workbook is available as a printable, a spiral-bound copy, or a paperback on Amazon. It's a gift card that actually protects people.
