Gift card scams are a common type of fraud that targets older adults. Scammers may call, email, or text older adults claiming to be from a government agency, financial institution, or well-known company. They may tell the older adult that they have won a prize, that their account has been compromised, or that they need to pay a fee to avoid a penalty. The scammer will then ask the older adult to purchase a gift card and provide the gift card number and PIN number to the scammer.
Common Gift Card Scams
Once the scammer has the gift card number and PIN number, they can use the gift card to purchase goods and services online or in stores. Gift cards are difficult to trace, so it is often difficult for victims to get their money back.
Here are some tips for older adults to protect against gift card scams:
- Never give out your personal information to someone who calls, emails, or texts you unexpectedly. No legitimate business or government agency will ask you to provide your personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account number, or credit card number, over the phone or email.
- If someone asks you to purchase a gift card, it is a scam. No legitimate business or government agency will ever ask you to pay a fee or fine with a gift card.
If you are unsure whether a call, email, or text is from a legitimate source, hang up the phone, delete the email, or ignore the text. You can then contact the business or government agency directly to verify the information.
Here are some additional tips for older adults to protect themselves from gift card scams:
- Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails, and texts. If you receive a call, email, or text from someone you don’t know, be suspicious. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to try to get you to act quickly, so don’t feel pressured to make a decision right away.
- Don’t be afraid to say no. If someone asks you to do something that makes you uncomfortable, such as purchasing a gift card, say no. You have the right to refuse any request.
- Talk to your family and friends about gift card scams. The more people who are aware of these scams, the less likely they are to fall victim to them.
If you think you may have been a victim of a gift card scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://consumer.ftc.gov/media/how-report-fraud-reportfraudftcgov. You can also report the scam to your local police department.
About Walnut Creek Elder Law in Walnut Creek, California
Michael J. Young is an experienced elder law, estate planning and asset protection planning attorney in Walnut Creek, CA. Mr. Young advises his clients regarding their estate planning needs with an emphasis on asset protection. He also advises about Medi-Cal qualification, and preservation of assets for various levels of their care as they get older. Mr. Young’s journey into elder law began when his mother suffered from an acute injury that required her to be in a skilled nursing facility. He is co-author of the book, Don’t Go Broke in A Nursing Home and is the author of the “Alzheimer’s Legal Survival Guide.” Mr. Young presents monthly workshops in Walnut Creek regarding estate planning, asset protection, and Medi-Cal planning. He has helped many clients over the years successfully qualify for Medi-Cal and has protected their assets from state recovery. Call today to schedule a consultation (925) 256-0298.