About Gift Card Scams
Be aware of scams involving Apple gift cards.
Contact Apple Support if you believe you’re the victim of a scam involving Apple gift cards.
Apple gift cards can be used only for purchases from Apple
Apple gift cards can be used only to purchase products and services from Apple. If someone asks you to use Apple gift cards to purchase something not sold by Apple, you might be the target of a scam.
Examples of items that can’t be paid for with Apple gift cards:
Bills (utilities, debt collection, hospital, etc.)
Government agency fees (taxes, immigration, social security, etc.)
App Store & iTunes Gift Card
Don’t share redemption codes with strangers
Do not provide the numbers on the back of a gift card to someone you don’t know well or haven’t met. Once those numbers are obtained by scammers, the funds on the card might be spent before you’re able to contact law enforcement or Apple Support.
Gift card scams follow a pattern
Regardless of the reason the scammer gives you for payment, scammers might try to build trust, show romantic interest, pressure, or deceive you.
Scams often follow a pattern:
Contact via call, text message, email, or social media
Create a sense of panic and urgency
Request payments, financial assistance, or a gift using gift cards
Guide you through gift card purchase process using precise instructions
Demand gift card redemption code(s)
More information
Apple Support: Identify legitimate emails from the App Store or iTunes Store.
Apple Support: Recognize and avoid social engineering schemes including phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams.
Contact Apple Support
If you have additional questions, or if you believe you're the victim of a scam involving Apple gift cards, contact Apple Support online.
