The King County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about recent scams where people are being asked to pay off a debt or bill with gift cards:

Scammers are working full time to find creative ways to cheat people of their hard earned money. Gift cards have long been the currency of choice for all kinds of cybercriminals. If you are asked to pay off a debt or bill in the form of gift cards, it may be a sign that you are being targeted.

On November 21, 2020 at 4:13 p.m. King County deputies contacted a victim of fraud in the 9800 block of 9th Place SW, in the White Center community of unincorporated King County.

The victim stated that she was attempting to update her Apple iPhone and used Google to search for Apple Customer Support. The victim called the number that came up and spoke with a male who identified himself as ‘Tim’ and was instructed by him to go to the nearest store that sold Apple Pay gift cards and purchase the cards. She was also instructed to give the card numbers, and after the cards were “verified” he would reimburse the victim and get her phone to work again.

The victim stated she went to a nearby drug store and was unable to find the specified cards, but was told that she could also purchase Google Play cards instead. While on the phone with the suspect, she purchased four $50 gift cards and gave the serial numbers to the caller. At this time the victim was told that there was some problem with the numbers and that she would need to go to another store to purchase more Google Play cards. The victim went to another store and was advised by the suspect that if anyone asked about her purchasing the cards to tell them it was for personal use and she should say nothing further. The victim then bought a $200 Google Play card and gave the serial number.

In doing this, the caller instructed her to purchase one $200 card for each $50 card she had purchased earlier and was reassured that she would be reimbursed.

The victim said that she did not have the money to purchase four $200 gift cards. Realizing that she had been scammed, the victim hung up the phone.

At this time it is unknown if the victim will be able to get her money back from the gift cards fraudulently used.

Remember that scammers can, and will, do anything to make themselves look legit. A legitimate company will never ask you to make a payment in the form of gift cards. This includes government agencies such as the IRS, courts, police agencies and anyone else claiming you owe a ‘fine’.