Gift card payment
You're asked to pay with gift cards (Apple, Google Play, Amazon, Steam) and read out the codes.
Why it matters
Gift cards are untraceable and irreversible - a hallmark of scams, never a normal way to pay a bill or fine.
Example only - do not act on it
Example only: Pay the fee in gift cards and send me the codes.
Why scammers use this
Once you share the codes, the value is gone instantly with no recovery.
What to do
- Stop and verify who you're really paying through an official channel.
- Never pay a fee to receive money, a refund, a prize, or to 'release' funds.
- If money moved, contact your bank or payment provider immediately.
What not to do
- Don't pay to receive money or 'unlock' funds.
- Don't trust payment screenshots as proof.
- Don't pay via gift cards, wire, or crypto to someone unverified.
How to verify safely
Confirm any payment inside your official banking or payment app; receiving money never requires you to pay, scan, or enter a PIN.
Scams where this appears
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Related scam-type hubs
Emergency guides
Related terms
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Check a messageFrequently asked questions
Do real bills get paid in gift cards?
No. No genuine company or agency takes gift cards. A gift-card request is always a scam.