Such scammers will often ask for remote access to your computer to run phony diagnostic tests and pretend to discover defects in need of fixing. Other scams feature planted website ads or pop-ups that display warning messages, some even featuring a clock ticking down the minutes before the victim’s hard drive will be destroyed by a virus - unless he or she calls a toll-free number for assistance in deactivating the menace.

Some scammers pretend to be connected with Microsoft, Apple or a familiar security software company such as Norton or McAfee, and claim to have detected malware that poses an imminent threat to the person’s computer. Perpetrators of tech support scams try to trick victims into believing their computers are infected and they need help. The scammer then instructs the victim to purchase gift cards and give the gift card numbers to the scammer over the phone. Sometimes, the scammer pretends to be a lawyer or the loved one themselves and asks directly for money. In this scam, the scammer will call a victim and indicate that a loved one is in some sort of trouble (i.e.

If you think you’ve been the victim of a gift card scam involving Walmart Gift Cards, report it to (888) 537-5503.

If you think you’ve been the victim of a gift card scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission.

Don’t click on or respond to online ads or websites offering free gift cards.

If you have questions about a gift card, ask someone who works at that store.

Don’t purchase a gift card if it appears that the packaging has been altered or manipulated.

Scammers can manipulate a caller ID to look like a legitimate company or government agency.

If you get a call from a stranger who says that a loved one is in trouble and they ask you to provide gift card numbers to help them, hang up and contact your loved one directly.

Do not purchase, sell, or check your balance on online marketplaces outside of.

For example, you will never be asked to pay your utility bills, bail money, debt collection and hospital bills with Walmart Gift Cards. Other businesses do not accept payments in the form of Walmart Gift Cards.No legitimate government entity, including the IRS, Treasury Department, FBI or local police department, will accept any form of gift cards as payment. or Puerto Rico, or on-line at Vudu, Inc., or. Walmart Gift Cards can only be used at Walmart stores or Sam’s Clubs in the U.S.

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