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Gift card scam

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What is the scam?

The scam usually asks the recipient to urgently purchase gift cards. The email may appear to be from someone you know, such as a manager, a friend, or a family member. If purchased, the scammer will ask for the gift card codes and then have full use of the card(s).

Alternatively, you may be contacted by someone claiming to be from the Australian Tax Office (ATO) or another government entity. They may say you owe money in taxes or parking tickets, and you must pay the amount urgently by buying gift cards and providing the codes.

How can you protect yourself?

  • Check the legitimacy of the sender’s email address. 
  • Contact the sender via another form of communication e.g. phone call to check whether they initiated the request.  

What to do if you have (or think you have) fallen victim?

Work devices

Personal devices

  • If you have already paid a scammer with a gift card, contact the company which issued the card immediately – they may be able to put a freeze on the card. 
  • Report the scam to the ACCC Scamwatch. This helps warn others about current scams and disrupts scams where possible.
  • If your personal information has been put at risk, contact IDCare for support.