Gift cards are for gifting, not for paying strangers. Before you load or reveal a code, scan this guide—and check your balance at MyBalanceNow only.
Top 5 Gift-Card Scam Tactics (2025)
| # | Scam Pitch | Red Flag | Real World Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | “IRS back-taxes” | Government asks for gift card | Caller threatens arrest unless you pay $2,000 in Target cards |
| 2 | Tech-support refund | Fake remote-access screen | “Microsoft” agent claims you overpaid and must return cash via gift cards |
| 3 | Utilities shut-off | 60-minute deadline | Robocall says power will be cut tonight—pay with gift cards |
| 4 | Romance/crypto guru | Online love interest | “Send Target cards, I’ll flip to Bitcoin for us” |
| 5 | Facebook Marketplace overpay | Buyer sends extra $$ | Scammer asks you to refund difference in gift cards |
Instant Red Flags
- Pressure to act immediately (“right now”, “today”).
- Request to keep the transaction **secret**.
- Payment demanded via gift-card numbers over phone/text.
- Threats of jail, deportation, or service shut-off.
- Caller ID spoofing government / utility numbers.
If Someone Asks for Target Gift Cards as Payment
- Hang up / stop messaging immediately.
- Do not share the scratch-off code.
- Call Target’s fraud line 1-800-544-2943 if you already gave a code—ask for a freeze.
- Report the scam at reportfraud.ftc.gov ↗.
- If money lost, file a police report; keep receipts & screenshots.
Recent Scam Alerts (Rolling 90 Days)
| Date | Region | Details | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-05-29 | NV, CA | Fake Nevada Energy phone calls | Reported to FTC |
| 2025-04-12 | National | IRS “Crypto Settlement” emails | Emails blocked by Microsoft 365 |
| 2025-03-18 | TX only | Utility-bill QR scam at doorsteps | QR codes confiscated |
Gift-Card Scam FAQ
Can Target refund a redeemed card?
Once funds are spent, Target cannot reverse the transaction—but they can freeze unused balance if reported fast.
Why can’t the police just trace the cards?
Scammers often resell codes instantly; money is laundered via crypto or resale markets before investigators trace the chain.
Is it safe to sell my unused gift card online?
Only use reputable resale sites with buyer protection; never reveal code until platform confirms payment in escrow.
Stay alert. If in doubt, call the official Target line—not the number a stranger gives you.
Independent fan-run safety guide; not affiliated with Target or the official MyBalanceNow service. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Last reviewed 16 June 2025.
