SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/sec-gift-card-only-scammers

Someone says you must pay a bill, fine or fee with gift cards. Who does that?

Only scammers. No real business or agency asks for gift cards.

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  1. The IRS, if the bill is late
  2. Your utility company, to speed things up
  3. Only scammers ask for payment in gift cards ✔

Why: Gift cards work like cash, so once the codes are gone the money is too. Real businesses and agencies do not take payment that way.

Huh, didn't know that: Scammers posing as tech support, utilities, prize offers and even relatives all ask for gift cards.

The dad joke
Where do computers keep their money? In a data bank.
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References

Answer: Only scammers ask for payment in gift cards. Gift cards work like cash, so once the codes are gone the money is too. Real businesses and agencies do not take payment that way.

  1. FTC: Gift Card Scams consumer.ftc.gov/articles/gift-card-scams
    No real business or government agency will ever tell you to buy a gift card to pay them.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. FTC: How to Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams
    They often insist that you pay with gift cards, a wire transfer, a bank transfer, cryptocurrency, or a payment app.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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Security & PrivacyPer the FTC, when might a scammer already have a gift card's number and PIN?Security & PrivacySomeone insists you can only pay by wire, crypto, a payment app or gift card. What does the FTC say?Security & PrivacyA caller says you owe money and must pay right now with gift cards. Which of these would ever ask you to pay that way?

That's stuff everyone should know.