WACO, Texas — The Waco Police Department is warning residents of a gift card scam after they received a case where a victim bought more than $30,000 in gift cards, believing that the scammers would help them.
The department said investigators are getting at least one new case a day involving people being tricked into purchasing gift cards and immediately giving scammers the redemption code on the cards. This type of scam is one that specifically targets elderly people who are sometimes more likely to fall victim, the department said.
It's not happening at any particular store, police added, but said that it can happen with any gift card at any store.
"Please know that no legitimate business, law enforcement or other governmental agency will ever ask you to purchase gift cards and give them the number to redeem the newly purchased gift cards," Waco PD said in a press release. "If someone asks you to do this, it is a scam."
The department said thieves will call and claim that you have an outstanding warrant, they have a refund to give you, they need to check your computer for security breaches, or any other number of claims.
"If any type of call like this leads to the caller asking you to purchase gift cards, it is a scam and the money will be lost," the department said.