Gift Card Scams Continue

The Mill Creek Police Department is actively addressing the ongoing threat of gift card scams that are impacting the local community. These scams often involve scammers who impersonate government officials or tech support, creating a sense of urgency that leads victims to purchase gift cards as a supposed solution to non-existent problems. The Federal Trade Commission has reported that Amazon has become the most frequently exploited brand in these schemes, surpassing the Social Security Administration and Publishers Clearing House. Authorities emphasize that legitimate organizations will never request payment in the form of gift cards; therefore, if someone receives such a request, they should hang up and contact the police. The FTC advises that anyone feeling pressured to purchase gift cards should stop immediately.

Victims are encouraged to report these scams to both local law enforcement and the FTC to help prevent further incidents. It is particularly important to educate vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, about these scams. Open conversations about the dangers of gift card scams can significantly reduce the likelihood of victimization.