Medium riskOnline Shopping

Gift Card Balance Scam

In this scam, a fake 'check your gift card balance' website or message asks you to enter your gift card number and PIN, which the scammer then uses to drain the card's value before you get the chance to spend it.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Gift card phishing scam
Main red flag
A balance-check page or message that asks for your full gift card number and PIN on an unofficial website.
What to do first
Check your balance only through the official retailer's website or the number printed on the card, not a link from a search ad or message.

How this scam works

In this scam, a fake 'check your gift card balance' website or message asks you to enter your gift card number and PIN, which the scammer then uses to drain the card's value before you get the chance to spend it.

Online shopping scams use fake stores, unbelievable deals, and counterfeit or never-delivered goods to take your money and card details. Fake sites often surface through ads and social media and pressure you with limited-time offers.

In short, the giveaway is usually simple: A balance-check page or message that asks for your full gift card number and PIN on an unofficial website. Check your balance only through the official retailer's website or the number printed on the card, not a link from a search ad or message.

Scammers rotate tactics constantly, the same operation may also run the Fake Coupon Scam and the Marketplace Gift Card Payment Scam. See the full Online Shopping Scams guides hub, or test a suspicious message with the scam checker.

How to spot this scam

  • A balance-check site reached through a search ad or message rather than the official retailer
  • A request for both the full card number and the PIN to 'check' a balance
  • A web address that does not match the official retailer's domain
  • Pressure to act fast or claims your balance will expire
  • Pop-ups or offers promising bonus credit if you enter your card details

What the message looks like

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'Check your gift card balance instantly! Enter your 16-digit card number and PIN below to see how much you have left: [suspicious link]'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

What gives it away: A balance-check page or message that asks for your full gift card number and PIN on an unofficial website.

The scale of it

Top category
online shopping is one of the most-reported fraud categories to the FTC
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
$1.4B
reported lost to fraud that started on social media in 2023, where many fake shops advertise
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

How to protect yourself

  • Check balances only on the retailer's official website or by phoning the number on the card
  • Type the retailer's address yourself instead of clicking links in ads or messages
  • Keep your gift card number and PIN private, just like a debit card PIN
  • Spend or register gift cards promptly through official channels where possible

Already responded? Do this now

  • If you entered the card number and PIN, contact the retailer that issued the card right away
  • Ask whether the card can be frozen, replaced, or any spent balance recovered
  • Keep your receipt and the card itself as proof of purchase and value
  • Report the fake site to the retailer and your national anti-fraud centre

Mistakes to avoid

  • Do not enter a gift card number and PIN on a site you reached through an ad or message
  • Do not share gift card details with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly
  • Do not assume a balance-check site is genuine just because it looks professional

Related scams to know

Medium risk Online Shopping

Fake Coupon Scam

This scam uses fake discount codes, 'spin to win' wheels, or coupon sites that look like a deal but exist to collect your personal and card details, push survey traps, or spread links across social media.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Marketplace

Marketplace Gift Card Payment Scam

This scam involves a buyer or seller on a marketplace insisting on paying or being paid with gift card codes. Once the codes are shared they are drained almost instantly and are extremely difficult to recover.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Social Media

Fake Giveaway Scam

This scam tells you that you won a prize or giveaway, then asks for a fee, your login, or personal details to 'claim' it.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Common questions

Why would a scammer want my gift card balance details?
The card number and PIN are all that is needed to spend the balance online. Once a scammer has them, they can drain the card quickly, often before you notice anything is wrong.
How do I check a gift card balance safely?
Use the official retailer's website that you type in yourself, or the customer service number printed on the card. Avoid balance-check links from search ads, emails, or texts.
The site looked exactly like the real retailer, so was it safe?
Scammers often copy a retailer's logo and layout closely. Looks alone do not prove a site is genuine, so always confirm the web address matches the official domain.
Can I get my money back if the card was drained?
It depends on the retailer's policy, so contact them as soon as possible with your receipt and card. Gift cards are often hard to recover, which is why prevention matters most.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.