Top Google Play Gift Card Scams You Should Know
A few months ago, I met someone on a dating site who reciprocated my energy, and we really got close—or so I thought!
One day, I got a message from them that they needed a $100 Google Play gift card to help sort out a situation. Well, I later found out that they scammed me, and were never sincere.
These days, everyone wants to get their hands on a Google gift card, either by hook or by crook, due to its importance.
With a Google Play gift card, you can purchase any of your favourite digital content from the Google Play store.
In order not to fall victim to a Google Play gift card scam like I did, carefully take your time to go through this list of top Google Play gift card scams.
7 Top Google Play Gift Card Scams to Watch Out For
Google Play gift card scams are really not much of a mystery. They include romance, emergency, tax payment, email, tech support, discount, and blackmail scams.
1. Romance Scams:
Times have changed, and people are looking for love either on dating sites or social media these days. If you meet a supposed lover through any of these channels and they start telling you to send them a Google Play gift card to help sort out a situation, do not oblige.
This is a common way people get defrauded of their Google Play gift cards. It’s not advisable to send money to an “internet lover” whom you haven’t met in person.
2. Emergency Scams:
We can’t talk about gift card scams without mentioning the “false emergency” scenario. Scammers will impersonate hospital staff or police officers, claiming your loved one is in danger.
They will then ask you to urgently pay with a Google Play gift card to remedy the situation. Do not fall for this.
In such cases, it’s better to reach out to the said relative in question to verify the claims.
3. Tax Payment Scams:
Another way scammers rip unsuspecting individuals off of their Google Play gift cards is by posing as government or tax officials.
They email or call the victims to pay overdue taxes with Google Play gift cards or risk being arrested. Sometimes, they threaten deportation or social security penalties.
I personally haven’t fallen victim to this because I always pay my taxes in person. Maybe you should try to do the same. Also, it is worth noting that no government official will ask you to pay taxes with gift cards.
4. Email Scams:
This is another way scammers get people to send them Google Play gift card redemption codes. They’ll email you pretending to be a family member or friend, asking you to help them purchase a Google Play gift card and send the code.
Most people fall for this because the email address and sender’s name will be identical to that of their relative, not knowing it’s a sophisticated phishing scam.
If you get such an email, kindly phone the relative in question for confirmation. Also, do not click on any link in the email so that you don’t get hacked.
5. Tech Support Scams:
This is another kind of Google Play gift card scam. Scammers will first manipulate victims to download malware that tampers with their computer functionality.
They will proceed to pose as Google tech support representatives, offering to help fix the issues. These swindlers will ask the victims to pay them with Google Play gift cards for their assistance.
6. Discount Scams:
As they say, “if it’s too good to be true, then it’s most likely not.” Is an online merchant offering unbelievable discounts on goods and services if only you accept paying with a Google Play gift card? They’re most likely a scam.
Don’t get enticed by such offers and hand out your Google Play gift card information to them. If you do, you’ll never get the items you paid for.
7. Blackmail scams:
Lastly, a top Google Play gift card scam that you cannot overlook is the blackmail scam. Someone might reach out to you claiming they have a damaging recording of you that they’ll publish if you don’t bribe them with a Google Play gift card.
Do not give in to their demands. They most likely don’t have anything of the sort. Instead, report them to the appropriate authorities.
How to Report Google Play Gift Card Scams
We live in an unpredictable world where the most unexpected things happen. Did you fall victim to a Google Play gift card scam? The best you can do is report to Google.
Google has a dedicated form where victims of Google Play gift card scams can make a report. You’ll be asked to provide the card serial number, so ensure you have it handy.
Also, you can report a Google Play gift card scam through your Google account. All you have to do is navigate to the Google Play Help Center to file a complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions About Google Play Gift Card Scams
1. Why Would a Scammer Want a Google Play Gift Card?
Scammers prefer a Google Play gift card because it is easy to use. And most importantly, the gift card can be used to purchase a wide range of goods and services on the Google Play store without going through conventional banking channels.
2. Where Can I Redeem My Google Play Gift Card?
You can redeem your Google Play gift card at the “Payment and Subscriptions” section of your Google Play account.
3. How Long Does A Google Play Gift Card Last?
The Google Play gift card lasts forever. Yes, it has no expiration date. You can redeem your Google Play gift card anytime you want to do so. However, it’s advisable not to keep the card for too long to avoid misplacing it.
4. What Information Can a Scammer Get from a Gift Card?
Scammers only need access to your gift card number and PIN to steal your funds. If you give them this information, they can easily make purchases with your balance or transfer the funds to another account.
5. Can You Get Your Money Back If You Get Scammed With Gift Cards?
Unfortunately, you can’t get your money back if you have been scammed with gift cards. However, in rare cases, if you can provide enough evidence of being scammed, the gift card company might refund you.
6. Where Can I Sell Google Play Gift Cards In Nigeria And Ghana?
You can sell your Google Play gift card for cash on Cardtonic in Nigeria and Ghana without breaking a sweat. The process isn’t cumbersome.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that if any random person online is asking for your Google Play gift card information, they’re most likely a scam. Always remember that the top Google Play Gift card scams are romance, emergency, tax payment, email, tech support, discount, and blackmail scams.
To avoid falling victim to a Google Play gift card scam, always be wary of anyone asking for urgent payment with gift cards. It’s only wise to take your time and research any situation. Stay safe, buddy!