Couple Loses $1500 in Gift Card Scam

Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a case of fraud in which they say an upper Bucks County couple was fleeced to the tune of $1,500.

In a news release, troopers from the Dublin barracks said the Richlandtown couple–aged 68 and 73–purchased $1,500 in gift cards and provided the numbers for the cards to “unknown individuals over the phone.”

“The unknown individuals presented themselves as members of the fraud department for the victims’ bank,” police said.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Scammers often target seniors, who may be reluctant to hang up on someone asking for money or unable to recognize common red flags.

Below are some practical scam prevention tips, which law enforcement and public safety officials encourage sharing with loved ones and others who may be especially vulnerable to phone scams.

1. Never pay a caller with a gift card. Legitimate businesses and government agencies do not demand payment by gift card.
2. Hang up if someone creates urgency. Phrases such as “you must do this right now” or “you’ll be arrested/shut off/lose your account” are red flags that the call isn’t legitimate.
3. Never give gift card numbers or PINs over the phone. Once a scammer gets those numbers, the money can often be taken immediately.
4. Don’t stay on the phone while buying a gift card. Scammers may instruct victims to drive to a particular store and remain on the line throughout the purchase.
5. Don’t trust caller ID. Scammers can make a call appear to come from a bank, government agency, police department or even a family member.
6. Verify independently. If someone claims to be a relative, bank employee, government official or business representative, hang up and call the organization or person using a phone number you already have–not one supplied by the caller.
7. Don’t keep the call secret. Scammers often instruct victims not to tell anyone about the call. Make it a rule that unusual requests for money should always be discussed with a trusted family member.
8. Establish a two-person rule for unusual financial transactions. Before withdrawing a large amount of money, buying gift cards or sending an unexpected payment because of a phone call, the senior should first consult someone they trust.
9. Put a reminder near the telephone. For example:
   “STOP — HANG UP — CALL FAMILY. Never buy gift cards for someone who calls me.”
10. Provide permission to hang up. Older adults sometimes feel they have to be polite, because they were taught telephone manners. Emphasize that they can simply say, “I don’t do business over the phone,” and hang up on the caller.
11. Set up bank alerts. Notifications for large withdrawals, transfers and unusual transactions can provide an early warning that something is amiss.
12. If a scam happens, act immediately. Contact the gift card company using the legitimate contact information on its website or the card, keep the card and receipt, and report the scam to the FTC. Acting quickly can sometimes help recover funds.