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Gift Card and Family Impersonation Scams

Hello, 

This is a reminder about two scams that continue to catch people out…..

Gift Card Scams

Typically, victims receive a call, text or email demanding an urgent payment by purchasing Google Play, iTunes or other gift cards. Fraudsters may claim to represent organisations or even employers, purporting to be from management asking them to purchase gift card on their behalf .

Following the purchase, the victim is asked to provide the gift card code to the fraudster.

The fraudster does not require to have physical control over the card/voucher. 

  • No reputable organisation would ask for payment  or handle company business via vouchers or gift cards. 
  • Do not reveal the vouchers codes to anyone. 
  • If an offer sounds too good to be true – it probably is! Even if it’s from an organisation you know and trust. 
  • Don’t follow links in text messages or phone any numbers provided within the message. 
  • No bank, utility company or government agency; such as the Police, NHS or HMRC will never ask you to purchase gift cards or make immediate payment over the phone or electronically;
  • Do not purchase gift cards to claim lottery or prize winnings, or in exchange for a “guaranteed” credit card or loan. 

    • Family Impersonation Scams

    If you receive an unexpected text / email from a family member or friend asking for money / voucher codes, often with a sense of urgency - this could be a scam.  Please check the legitimacy of the message via a different means of communication / family member. 

     

    STOP AND THINK BEFORE PARTING WITH YOUR MONEY, IT’S OK TO REJECT, REFUSE OR IGNORE ANY REQUESTS. 

    ONLY CRIMINALS WILL TRY TO RUSH OR PANIC YOU!

     

    For more information on scams contact the Crime Prevention Team via edinburghpreventandintervent@edinburgh.police.uk

     

    Sign up to the following bulletins for regular scam updates

    Trading Standards Scam Share Bulletin -      https://www.tsscot.co.uk/news/scam-share/

     

    Regards

    PC Campbell

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    Samantha Campbell
    (Police Scotland, PC, E Div - Edinburgh City - Preventions Interventions and Partnerships)
    Neighbourhood Alert Cyber Essentials