Target / Walmart Gift Card Scam – What To Do Now | ScamPause
Retail gift cards like Target or Walmart are common in phone and impersonation scams.
Immediate Answer
If someone asked you to pay using Target or Walmart gift cards, this is a scam. Gift cards are not a legitimate payment method for bills, refunds, fees, or account security.
How This Scam Works
Scammers impersonate a trusted organization and create urgency. They instruct you to buy gift cards and share the codes (often by text, email, or photos). Once shared, the funds can be spent immediately.
Signs This Is a Scam
- They demand gift cards as payment
- They ask for the code or a photo of the card
- They pressure you to buy more cards
- They tell you to keep it secret or avoid store employees
- They claim it’s for taxes, fees, refunds, or ‘verification’
What To Do Right Now
- Stop and do not buy more gift cards
- Stop communication with the person requesting them
- Save receipts, messages, and any codes
- If you still have the cards and haven’t shared codes, keep them secure
- If codes were shared, contact the card issuer immediately
If You Already Sent Money or Information
If you shared codes, act quickly. In some cases, unused balances may be frozen, but often the funds are gone. Do not pay anyone who claims they can recover your money for a fee.
How To Protect Yourself Going Forward
No legitimate business or government agency demands gift cards. Create a simple rule: if gift cards are requested, pause and verify using a phone number you look up yourself.
You Are Not Alone
Scammers are skilled at creating urgency and fear. Falling for a gift card scam can happen to anyone.