AG Nessel Reissues Gift Card Scams Consumer Alert

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing her consumer alert on gift card scams as part of Money Smart Week. The Attorney General urges consumers to be cautious when someone claiming to represent a government agency, utility company, or tech support, or even posing as a friend or family member in need asks consumers to make a payment using a gift card.

“Fraudsters can sound very convincing but remember that no legitimate business or government agency will demand payments through gift cards. If they do, it’s a scam,” said Attorney General Nessel. “Never share personal information or send money in response to these tactics.”

Gift card scammers may use the following methods:

• Law Enforcement Imposter Scams: Caller poses as a law enforcement official demanding that a fine must be paid to avoid arrest or legal action.
• Tech Support Scams: You will receive a call or email informing you that there is an issue with your computer, and you must provide payment to fix it. Remember, troubleshooting or tech support should be initiated by you. A scammer does not know what your computer type or serial number is. They’re simply hoping that you fall for it.
• Family Emergency or Grandparent Scams: You will receive a call demanding bail money or ransom for a family member in trouble. Immediately hang up if you receive this call and if you’re worried, you can reach out to that family member via the contact information you know to be correct.
• Charity Imposter Scams: Requests from a fake charity requesting a financial donation. Verify a charity's registration status on the charitable trust's website.
• Utility Imposter Scams: Demands that payment via gift card is required right away to avoid shut off for an unpaid or late utility bill. Your utility providers will never request payment by gift card.
• Debt Collection Scams: Debt collector calls may be legitimate, but not when they insist that you pay off a balance with a gift card to avoid credit issues.
• Sweepstake, Lottery Winnings, or Inheritance Scams: A request for up-front fees to be paid via gift card before any winnings can be collected.
• Social Security Benefit or IRS Tax Scams: Demands that a fine must be paid before any benefits can be paid out.

Once money is loaded onto a gift card and the numbers are provided to the requestor, these transactions cannot be reversed.

If you’ve purchased a gift card and have shared the card number and PIN with a scammer, follow these steps:

• Report the Scam to the Gift Card Issuer: Contact the company immediately. Some issuers have programs to help recover funds.
• Request a Refund: Explain the situation to the card issuer. While refunds aren’t guaranteed, companies are increasing efforts to combat fraud.
• Report the Scam to Authorities: File a report with the FTC and the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team. These reports help law enforcement identify patterns and stop scammers.

To avoid falling victim to gift card scams:

• Never use gift cards to pay debts: Gift cards are intended for gifting—not for paying bills or fines.
• Be skeptical of urgent payment requests: Legitimate organizations will not pressure you to act immediately.
• Verify claims independently: Contact the company or individual directly using verified contact information.
• Be cautious with online and phone interactions: Don’t share gift card details unless you are sure of the recipient’s legitimacy.

Money Smart Week promotes financial literacy. To help residents avoid falling victim to scams, Attorney General Nessel will be reissuing alerts throughout Money Smart Week on the Department of Attorney General’s dedicated consumer protection social media account, Michigan Consumer Protection (@MIConsumerWatch). Residents can follow @MIConsumerWatch on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

To report fraud or if you have a general consumer complaint, you may contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form

###