[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":24},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site":3,"post-what-is-the-gift-card-scam-and-what-can-it-do-to-me":14},{"email":4,"phone":5,"phoneHref":6,"phone2":7,"phone2Href":8,"phone2Label":9,"serviceArea":10,"responseTime":11,"tagline":12,"legalName":13},"hello@techherd.net","(608) 200-3901","+16082003901","(920) 349-9070","+19203499070","Office","Wisconsin & surrounding","Same business day","Taking the “SH” out of “IT”","DECA LLC DBA TECH HERD",{"slug":15,"title":16,"dateISO":17,"date":18,"category":19,"readTime":20,"featured":21,"excerpt":22,"body":23},"what-is-the-gift-card-scam-and-what-can-it-do-to-me","What is the gift card scam and what can it do to me?","2026-08-07","Aug 07, 2026","Tech Support","1 min",false,"The “gift card scam” is one of the most common frauds targeting individuals and businesses. It usually involves a scammer convincing you to buy gift cards and send them the codes. How the gift card scam works A typical pattern looks like this: Real businesses and government agencies do not ask you to pay with […]","\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The “gift card scam” is one of the most common frauds targeting individuals and businesses. It usually involves a scammer convincing you to buy gift cards and send them the codes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How the gift card scam works\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A typical pattern looks like this:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>You receive a call, text, email, or social media message from someone pretending to be a boss, coworker, government official, tech support, or even a relative.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>They claim there is an urgent situation: a bill that must be paid today, a surprise for staff, a legal problem, or a security issue with your computer or account.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>They insist the fastest way to “fix it” is to buy gift cards (often from major retailers) and share the codes on the back.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Once you send the codes, the scammer quickly uses or resells them, and the money is gone.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Real businesses and government agencies do not ask you to pay with gift cards for emergencies, fines, or fees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why gift card scams are so damaging\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gift card scams can cause:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Immediate financial loss: Once the code is used, you can rarely get your money back.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Emotional stress and embarrassment: Victims often feel ashamed, which makes them less likely to report the crime.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Business disruption: If scammers target staff in a business (for example, pretending to be the owner), employees may spend time and company money purchasing cards.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Increased risk of repeat targeting: If scammers succeed once, they may target you or your business again.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Protect yourself by remembering one simple rule: if someone you don’t fully trust asks you to pay with gift cards — especially under pressure — it’s almost certainly a scam. When in doubt, hang up, contact the person or organization through an official phone number or website, and verify before you act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",1786132097882]