How to Protect Yourself from Gift Card Scams: A Practical Guide
A Simple Guide to Spotting and Avoiding Gift Card Scams Gift cards are a convenient way to give a present, but scammers have turned them into a favorite tool for stealing money. In December 2025, Attorney General Brian Schwalb of Washington D.C. issued a formal consumer alert to warn residents about the sharp rise in these schemes. His office highlighted a critical point: no legitimate government agency, utility company, or tech support service will ever demand payment via a gift card. This warning underscores a persistent threat that targets people across the country through phone calls, texts, and online messages. ...