Why am I being asked to pay with gift cards?

The answer

If a contact requires you to buy a gift card and give away its code as payment, it is a scam.

A gift-card number and PIN give access to the value loaded on the card. A scammer can spend it even while you still hold the card itself.

Buying a gift card for yourself or as a present is ordinary. The scam sign is somebody requiring you to buy one and hand over the code as payment, to settle a debt or to fix a problem.

If you gave away the code, contact the card issuer immediately. Explain the scam and ask whether it can stop the value being spent or return your money. Keep the card and receipt for your reports.