Email scam poses as friend asking for a quick favor

A new twist on an old con is circulating nationwide, and this time scammers are impersonating friends, family members and even pastors to trick consumers into buying gift cards, according to recent reports to the Better Business Bureau.

In this version of the scam, victims receive an email or text message that appears casual and friendly, often beginning with a simple greeting such as: “Hi, how are things going with you? Are you busy? I need a quick favor.” Some messages even end with “Sent from my iPhone” to appear more authentic.

After the recipient responds, the scammer claims they are trying to buy a gift card for a relative’s birthday but cannot complete the purchase because they are traveling or having technical issues. They ask the recipient to buy a gift card locally and promise to pay them back as soon as they return.

Once the card is purchased, the scammer asks for the PIN or a photo of the back of the card. Providing that information gives the scammer full access to the funds, and because gift cards function like cash, the money is often impossible to recover.

One consumer reported to BBB Scam Tracker that they received a text message they believed was from their pastor asking for three $200 eBay gift cards for cancer patients. After sending the card numbers, the victim was asked to purchase another card. At that point, they became suspicious, contacted their church office and learned the request was a scam. A police report was filed.

The BBB urges consumers to verify any unusual request by reaching out to the friend or family member directly by phone or text. The organization also warns consumers never to conduct business with anyone who insists on payment by gift card, since sharing the numbers on the back of a card is equivalent to sending cash.

The BBB also cautions against using websites that claim to check gift card balances. Some of these sites ask for the card number and PIN, then use that information to drain the funds. Consumers are encouraged to register gift cards when possible, change the PIN and use the balance quickly to reduce the risk of theft. Lost or stolen cards should be reported to the issuer immediately using the toll-free number listed on the card or the retailer’s website.