Why Do Scammers Use Google Play Cards

Gift card scams are nothing new, but Google Play gift card scams provide thieves with a different avenue to go after your money. While criminals have often used prepaid debit cards or iTunes gift cards, some of the latest revolve around cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, and even more so, Google Play cards, as both provide anonymity and the ability for scammers to launder funds without the risk of being caught. Google Play card scams, in particular, are on the rise and may already be targeting you or your loved ones.

You may have already learned about avoiding scams involving iTunes gift cards. These cards, which are only intended to be used for Apple Store purchases became a favorite tool for scammers who demanded untraceable payment in this card currency. Now with more criminals aware of the opportunity, the go-to method is becoming Google Play gift card scams. Here are some of the ways scammers target your finances by demanding payment through Google Play gift cards.

What Can A Scammer Do With Google Play Cards?

Gift cards are a big part of online scams because scammers can easily use these cards to launder their money. Scammers use Google Play cards and other types of gift cards to hide large money transfers from the authorities. and the worst part is that if you sent them the money, you have helped them with money laundering, which means you may have committed a federal crime. In addition to Google Play cards, scammers will also ask for steam cards, cryptocurrency, and other means of transferring money. The best way to guard against romance scams is to upload a photo of the person you’re talking to into the search bar below to find out if they are really who they say they are.

Why do Sugar Daddies ask for Google Play cards?

Sugar daddies may ask for Google Play cards or other types of gift cards for various reasons, but in many cases, it is likely to be a scam. The sugar daddy may claim that they need the card to purchase something online or pay for a service, but once they receive the card details, they may disappear and use the card for their own purposes.

It’s important to remember that legitimate sugar daddy relationships should not involve any requests for money or gifts. If someone you meet online asks for money or gift cards, it’s important to be cautious and skeptical. Always verify the identity of the person you’re communicating with and do not send any money or gift cards until you’re sure you can trust them.

Impersonation Scams

Every malicious thing you have heard about iTunes gift cards, prepaid debit cards, and even wire transfers is also true about Google Play gift cards. Callers pretending to be with the IRS, law enforcement, medical offices, bogus charities, and other plausible outlets, may call and demand payment via gift cards. Remember, no credible agency or company will ask for an untraceable payment via gift card.

Reselling Gift Cards

There are multiple online platforms where users can sell unwanted, unused gift card balances. Criminals have taken advantage of this opportunity and stolen the balances from unsuspecting sellers. One commonly reported Google Play gift card scam is the three-way call. The purpose of the call is to have you dial the number on the back of your card and verify the balance while the potential buyer listens. That makes a lot of sense when you think about it. However, as you are entering the card number on your phone’s keypad, the listener is recording the tones. After you end the call and before the scammer buys your card, they simply use the recorded tones to transfer all the money off your card onto one they own. Avoid Google Play gift card scams by only using reputable sites and verifying buyer reputation when possible.

Balance Inquiry Scams

Checking the balance on your gift cards is a good idea. It helps you know how much to spend and how much you have left on a reloadable card. However, hackers have invented a tool that allows them to wipe gift cards clean by attacking the computer network that keeps up with the balances. In order to avoid that kind of theft, it is a good idea to use your gift cards shortly after receiving them. Also, remember that some types of cards can start to lose value each month if you do not spend them. You can avoid this with a Google Play card by installing the card in your mobile wallet on your Android device.

Protect Card Numbers

Google Play gift cards, just like other gift cards, are only as safe as the information on the magnetic stripe or in the assigned number on the back. If you lose your card or someone gets the number, they have access to your money. Never share your card information with someone who contacts you, and never verify your gift card number for someone. It is also important to never send money in the form of direct transfer payments on apps like Cashapp.

Providing Emergency Help

One way scammers get you to send them Google play cards is by getting you emotionally involved by claiming they are having some type of emergency, and sending them a gift card is the only way to help them. This is usually accompanied by claims of having a frozen bank account or some other circumstance that prevents them from having access to their funds. This tactic is usually used once they’ve spent a lot of time building a relationship with you through online communication. At this time, many people are unwilling to say “no”.

Google Play gift card scams provide criminals a way to quickly and easily steal your money without the threat of legal action or consequence. Irreversible, anonymous, and untraceable, once you have given scammers access to your Google Play gift card funds, they are no longer yours. It is one of the easiest ways for criminals to separate you from your hard-earned money. Be mindful of who you entrust with your Google Play gift card information, and avoid this ever-growing scam.

How to Protect Yourself Against Scams

Protecting yourself against scams is all about knowing exactly who the person you’re talking to really is. This is through a special tool called a reverse image search. A reverse image search lets you scan the internet with lightning speed to find out whether or not someone is stealing images. Use the search bar below to run your first search today!