At Friends and Family Credit Union, protecting our members is an important part of helping our members succeed financially. Unfortunately, gift card scams are increasing across Stark County, and scammers often target seniors and hardworking families in our communities.
The good news is that once you understand how these scams work, they are much easier to spot and avoid.
How Gift Card Scams Work
Most gift card scams begin with an urgent message by text, email, or phone call. A scammer may pretend to be:
- A government agency such as the IRS or Social Security
- A tech support company claiming your computer has a virus
- A grandchild or family member who needs emergency help
- A bank or well-known company
- A member of a club or organization you are involved with
- Even a boss or coworker requesting a favor
They will pressure you to buy gift cards quickly from stores like grocery stores, pharmacies, or big retail chains. Then they ask you to scratch off the back of the card and give them the numbers or send a photo.
Once they have that number, the money is usually gone within minutes.
Warning Signs of a Gift Card Scam
Residents in Massillon, Canton, and throughout Stark County should watch for these red flags:
- Someone insists you pay with gift cards only
- They say the situation is urgent or a legal emergency
- They ask you to keep the payment secret
- They want the numbers on the back of the card
- They claim to be from a government agency or financial institution
- They promise to pay you back
Remember: No legitimate business, credit union, bank, or government office will ever require payment using gift cards.
How Friends and Family Credit Union Recommends Protecting Yourself
Our team regularly helps members in Stark County avoid financial scams. Here are a few simple steps that can keep you safe:
- Pause before acting. Scammers rely on panic and urgency.
- Verify the request. Call the person or company using a phone number you trust.
- Never share gift card numbers. Treat them like cash.
- Talk to someone you trust before making unusual payments.
- Contact your credit union if something feels suspicious.
If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
What To Do If You Are Targeted by a Scam
If someone asks you to pay with gift cards:
- Stop communicating with the person immediately.
- Do not purchase the cards.
- Contact a trusted family member or friend.
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you already bought the cards but have not shared the numbers yet, contact the gift card company right away. Acting quickly may help stop the loss.
You can also reach out to Friends and Family Credit Union if you are unsure about a suspicious request. Our team is always here to help protect members across Massillon, Canton, and Stark County.
Protecting Our Stark County Community
Gift cards are meant for birthdays and holidays—not for paying bills, taxes, or emergencies. If someone demands payment with gift cards, it is almost certainly a scam.
By staying informed and sharing this information with friends, neighbors, and family members, we can help keep our community safer from fraud.
If you ever have questions about suspicious financial activity, the team at Friends and Family Credit Union is here to help.
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