Beware! Gift Card Scam Circulating

Every couple of months, a new scam pops up that tricks people into buying gift cards and being duped out of thousands of dollars. Don't fall for this latest scam. Here's what to look for. New York State Police are warning people of another scam involving buying gift cards according to News Channel 13. The scammers are trying to get you to buy gift cards for a third party in order to help them out of a dire situation or to purchase a big-ticket item.

Last month, scammers were contacting unsuspecting residents asking for them to purchase gift cards as payment for services or goods they were to receive. In one instance the scammers tried to buy an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

The victim on the other end of the phone was asked to buy one thousand dollars worth of eBay gift cards. What the scammers want are the serial numbers on the gift cards so they can get the credit on the cards.

Another victim said that a scammer contacted them and claimed to be a friend who was asking for financial help to assist a local church. The victim fell for the scam and wound up losing two thousand dollars.

New York State Police want to remind residents that if you are asked to purchase gift cards over the phone for a third party, this is a huge red flag and you should hang up immediately. They are hoping that people who have received these types of calls and even fell for the scams to please contact the police to report it.