The 2023 holiday shopping season is here and the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is reminding people to watch out for financial scams that can target their pocketbooks -- particularly gift card scams.
Gift card scams often start with a phone call, text, e-mail or social media message. Scammers will say anything to get you to buy gift cards -- such as Google Play, Apple or Amazon cards -- and hand over the card number and PIN codes.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, scammers will say it is urgent, they will tell you which gift card to buy and where, and they will ask you for the gift card number and personal identification number (PIN) codes.
Scammers tell different stories to get you to buy gift cards so they can steal your money. They may say they are with the government such as the Internal Revenue Service or Social Security Administration. They may say they are from Tech Support such as Microsoft or Apple. They may say they are a friend or family member with an emergency. They may say you have won a prize. They may say they are from your utility company. They may find you on a dating website.
To help prevent yourself from getting scammed, don't answer unknown numbers -- block unwanted calls and text messages. Don't give personal information to unsolicited calls, texts or e-mails. Be skeptical and wary of offers that seem "too good to be true." Resist the pressure to act immediately. Stop and talk to someone you trust. Never pay someone who insists you pay with a gift card, money transfer or cryptocurrency.
If you feel you may have been scammed, the DFR's consumer advocates may be able to help. They can be reached at 1-(888)-877-4894.
