A new wave of sophisticated gift card scams has prompted fresh warnings from fraud prevention experts and retail networks. The alert, shared by Caroline at Voucherline.com, comes after multiple reports of fraudulent activity involving popular gift card brands across the country.
Cloned Card Scam Targets Innocent Buyers
One of the most concerning developments is a scam where criminals steal and clone physical gift cards. These cloned cards are then placed back on shelves, often in different stores. Unsuspecting shoppers buy and load funds onto these cards, unaware they are not the originals.
Fraudsters track when the cards are loaded by checking the balance online. Once activated, they quickly spend the money before the intended recipient has a chance to use the card.
In response, many major gift card providers have introduced a safeguard: cards that are balance-checked before being loaded will now be blocked at the till—a move that has already curtailed some of this fraudulent activity.
Late-Night Store Calls Used to Trick Staff
Another scam targets store employees directly. Criminals call stores during night shifts, when experienced staff may not be present. Posing as head office personnel, they request help “testing” gift card loading systems. In reality, they convince staff to load funds onto stolen or compromised cards.
Tech Support Hoax Using Gift Cards
The final major fraud involves fake tech support calls. Victims are told their laptops are locked and must be unlocked by paying with gift cards. Often, victims are instructed to buy several cards and provide the codes over the phone.
Retailers are now being advised to remain alert when customers attempt to buy multiple cards—particularly Google Play or Currys cards—in one transaction.
Staff are encouraged to ask gentle but direct questions, such as whether someone has asked the customer to make the purchase. A simple comment like, “That’s good to hear—there’s a big scam at the moment where people are being asked to pay with gift cards, so we just wanted to check you’re not being scammed,” has already helped prevent fraudulent transactions in several cases.
🛡️ Key Advice
Never share gift card codes over the phone or online.
Be cautious of unsolicited calls requesting gift card payments.
Retailers should verify unusual bulk gift card purchases with friendly questions.
If in doubt, don’t proceed—report the incident immediately.
Authorities urge continued vigilance as fraudsters continue to adapt their tactics.