Learn the 5 most common gift card scams and how to protect yourself. Shop safely with CardDepot.com—your trusted source for discount gift cards.
Welcome back to the CardDepot.com blog! Gift cards are one of the most popular and convenient ways to shop and give—but they’ve also become a growing target for scammers. Whether you’re buying a gift or scoring a deal, it’s important to know how to spot and avoid common gift card scams.
In this post, we’ll break down 5 of the most common gift card scams you might encounter—and show you how to stay safe. Plus, we’ll explain why CardDepot.com is the trusted source for buying discounted gift cards with confidence.
1. Fake Gift Card Websites
Scammers often create fake websites that look almost identical to legitimate gift card sellers. These sites may offer huge discounts to lure people in, but once you pay, you either get nothing—or a worthless card.
How to avoid it: Always check the website URL, look for secure connections (https://), and read customer reviews before buying. If the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Why CardDepot.com is different: We’re a verified and secure platform with real customer support, thousands of satisfied customers, and trusted partnerships with major retailers. Every card on our site is authenticated and guaranteed.
2. Tampered Gift Cards in Stores
Some scammers tamper with physical gift cards in retail stores by scratching off the PIN, recording the numbers, and then putting the cards back. Once someone activates the card at checkout, the scammer drains the balance.
How to avoid it: Always inspect cards carefully before buying in-store. Better yet, avoid the risk entirely and purchase digital gift cards securely from CardDepot.com.
3. Phishing Emails or Messages
Scammers send emails or texts pretending to be from popular retailers, offering gift cards for free or urging you to “verify your gift card.” Clicking the link leads you to a phishing site that steals your personal info.
How to avoid it: Never click on suspicious links or share gift card info over email or text. Go directly to the retailer’s official site to verify any offer.
CardDepot.com tip: We never ask for sensitive information by email or text. All transactions are done on our encrypted and secure platform.
4. Gift Card Payment Scams
This one’s common in online marketplaces: someone asks you to pay for a product or service with a gift card. They’ll give a fake reason (e.g., “It’s safer this way”) and disappear after you send the card info.
How to avoid it: Never use gift cards as payment for products, services, rent, or taxes. If someone asks, it’s a scam—period.
5. Scammers Pretending to Be the Government, Tech Support, or Your Utility Company
One of the most deceptive scams involves people pretending to be from the IRS, Social Security, a tech support company, or even your electric or phone provider. They’ll say you owe money or that your account is in danger—and they’ll demand that you pay immediately using gift cards.
These scammers often sound convincing and create a sense of urgency to push you into buying cards and reading them the numbers.
How to avoid it: No government agency, utility company, or legitimate tech support team will ever ask for payment in gift cards. If someone demands this, hang up or delete the message immediately.
Final Thoughts: Buy Smart, Stay Safe
Gift card scams are out there—but you can shop with confidence when you know what to watch for. The best way to protect yourself? Stick with trusted, secure platforms like CardDepot.com.
At CardDepot.com, we verify every card, offer real customer support, and back every purchase with our 100-day guarantee. Whether you’re shopping for your favorite stores or buying a gift, you’ll get great savings with zero risk.
Shop smart. Save big. Visit CardDepot.com today and explore our latest gift card deals.
