A text from my relative asks me to buy gift cards. Should I?
You will learn why a gift card request is a classic scam sign.
A text may say a family member is stuck and needs gift cards. Scammers use this trick a lot now. The message may even use a familiar name.
Real family in real trouble does not ask for gift cards. Once you read the card numbers aloud, the money is gone for good. There is no getting it back.
Stop and check first. Call that family member on their own saved number. Talk to them before you buy anything.
- Do not buy any gift cards yet.
- Call the relative on their real number.
- Ask if they truly sent the message.
- Notice the rush and the gift card ask.
- Delete the text if it was fake.
- Warn other family about the scam.
I got a text from someone saying they are my [relative] and need gift cards fast. Please explain in simple words why this is a common scam. Give me 4 steps to check before I do anything.
Paste it into ChatGPT, then change the words in brackets to fit you. It opens in a new tab, so you will not lose this page.
Anyone asking to be paid in gift cards is a scammer. Real bills are never paid that way.