MyGiftInfoGuide MyGiftInfo Logo
Get Help
What to Do If You Were Scammed
← Scam Prevention Center

What to Do If You Were Scammed

If you shared gift card codes with a scammer, act fast. This checklist helps you contain damage and report the scam.

Guide overview

Immediate actions, evidence to gather, and reporting steps in the right order.

Coverage

FTC reports
State AG guidance
Issuer support
Local police report

What this guide covers

Immediate containment steps
Evidence to collect
Issuer contact checklist
Reporting routes (FTC and state AG)
What to expect next

Guide details

Last reviewed March 2026
Reading time 4 min

*Act quickly to maximize recovery chances.

Get help

Useful for:

Consumers Seniors Caregivers Community advocates

Time matters.

If you shared gift card codes, contact the issuer immediately.

Immediate steps

  1. Contact the issuer using the phone number on the card.
  2. Provide receipt details and request a case number.
  3. Report the scam to the FTC and your state Attorney General.

More guides in the
Scam Prevention Center

Gift Card Draining

Gift Card Draining

How balance drains happen and what to do first.
Tampered Cards

Tampered Cards

How to spot tampered packaging and what to keep as proof.
Paid a Scammer

Paid a Scammer

Immediate steps after paying by gift card and who to contact.