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Gift-card payment scam
Someone insists you pay a bill, fine, fee, or “release” money by buying gift cards and reading them the codes — always a scam.
Informational only — not legal or financial advice.
How it works
- You're told to pay urgently — tax, fine, fee, prize release, support.
- They tell you to buy gift cards (Google Play, iTunes, Steam) at a shop.
- They ask you to scratch off and read or photograph the code.
Red flags
- Being asked to pay anything official with gift cards.
- Urgency and instructions to stay on the phone while you buy them.
- “Don't tell the cashier what it's for.”
What to do
- Stop — no real company or government takes gift cards as payment.
- Keep the cards and the receipt; report it.
- Ask someone you trust before buying any cards.
What NOT to do
- Do not buy gift cards to pay a bill, fee, fine, or to “release” money.
- Do not read, photograph, or share gift-card codes.
Have a suspicious message?
Check it before you act. Open MyRep and check a message.