Bromley Trading Standards is reminding residents to stay alert when receiving unexpected requests for payment, especially those involving gift cards.
Fraudsters are increasingly targeting residents in the borough, asking them to pay for services or settle debts using gift cards – a method no legitimate organisation would ever use. This warning follows reports of residents in Orpington and Bromley who have been targeted by fraudsters impersonated trusted organisations or individuals, pressuring victims to purchase gift cards and share the codes. Once the code is revealed, the funds are quickly spent or transferred, leaving the victim out of pocket.
Gift cards are typically used for birthdays, celebrations, or employee rewards. They are also redeemable using codes and are difficult to trace once used, making them attractive to criminals. Legitimate businesses do not accept gift cards for paying bills, securing loans, or claiming prizes.
How gift card scams work
Fraudsters may:
- Contact you via phone, email or social media, pretending to be from a well-known organisation or even a friend.
- Create urgency – claiming a medical emergency, a limited-time offer, or threatening consequences.
- Direct you to buy gift cards from local shops or online.
- Ask for the code or a photo of the card to access the funds.
Once a fraudster receives a gift card code, they will use the funds before the victim notices. Popular gift cards used in scams include Amazon, Google Play, Steam Wallet, and Apple iTunes.
Gift card scams can have serious consequences, both financial and emotional. Gift cards are easily purchased, provide instant access to funds, and do not require a bank account making them difficult to trace.
Protect yourself and others:
- Only buy gift cards for people you know and trust.
- Avoid using gift cards to pay HMRC, secure a loan, or respond to job offers.
- Never share gift card codes with strangers – especially those met online or through unsolicited messages.
- Be sceptical of anyone asking for gift cards in exchange for prizes or donations.
Remember – gift cards are for gifts, not payments.
If you or someone you know has been targeted by a gift card scam:
- Stop communication with the scammer immediately.
- Contact the company whose gift card was purchased – they may be able to freeze the funds.
- Report to Action Fraud online or on 0300 123 2040.
- Contact Citizens Advice online or on 0808 223 1133.
- Contact your bank on 159.
For more information on gift card scams, please visit:
- Amazon Customer Service website
- Apple Support website
- Steam Help websitehttps://stopscamsuk.org.uk/our-work/159-phone-number/
Report and information
Contact your bank's fraud team if you think you've been scammed: Call 159 – Stop Scams UK.
Contact Citizens Advice for help and advice on 0808 223 1133 or on the Citizens Advice website.
If you have been tricked into sending money by bank payment, check out the Toolkit and UK Finance Authorised Push Payment Fraud guidance for more information on recovering lost money.
Report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or on the Action Fraud website.
Visit the Stop! Think Fraud website to learn how to stay safe from scams.
For general information about scams in various languages visit the Friends Against Scams website.
You can also visit Trading Standards on the Bromley Council website for more information.
Bromley Trading Standards
To keep up with the latest scam alerts and warnings from Bromley Trading Standards sign up on www.bromley.gov.uk/TradingStandardsAlertSignUpForm.
Bromley Trading Standards also runs a fair-trader directory to help you find a safe, reliable trader that you can trust, visit www.bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked to learn more.