According to the Federal Trade Commission, 73 million Americans were targeted by a gift card scam in 2022, with a total loss of $228 million. 

Common scam scenarios begin with a phone call or a request for a call from someone claiming to be with an institution familiar to you (your bank, IRS, etc).  They will then claim that you either owe money, or need to pay money to resolves some issue. The caller will then instruct you to buy gift cards and read the numbers over the phone. 

You can prevent this from happening to you by looking for the warning signs...

1. you can only pay with a gift card
2. caller demands you remain on the phone the whole time
3. caller tells you not to talk to anyone else
4. caller creates a sense of urgency

When in doubt always call your local police before turning money or information over to anyone.