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One thing we know about scammers — they want money, and they want it fast. That’s why, whatever the con they’re running, they usually ask people to pay a certain way. They want to make it easy for themselves to get the money — and nearly impossible for you to get it back.

Their latest method? iTunes gift cards. To convince you to pay, they might pretend to be with the IRS and say you’ll be arrested if you don’t pay back taxes right now. Or pose as a family member or online love interest who needs your help fast. But as soon as you put money on a card and share the code with them, the money’s gone for good.

If you’re not shopping at the iTunes store, you shouldn’t be paying with an iTunes gift card. Other payment methods scammers might ask for include Amazon gift cards, PayPal, reloadable cards like MoneyPak, Reloadit, or Vanilla, or by wiring money through services like Western Union or MoneyGram. Government offices won’t require you to use these payment methods.

If you get targeted by a scam like this, report it to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.

Want to know more about avoiding scams? Read How to Avoid a Scam

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Shopping and Donating
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Gift Card Scams
popsy
March 22, 2017

In reply to by Renee

someone message me in facebook when i tried t search for an online homebase job...i know she knew already that im from the philippines...she told me to buy an itune card so that i can post ads in craigslist without removing from the site...
FTC Staff
March 24, 2017

In reply to by popsy

The only place to use an iTunes card is at the iTunes store, to buy online music, apps or books. It is not related to searching for online jobs, or posting ads.

If you buy iTunes card and tell someone the code from the back of the card, they take the value of the card. You get nothing.

sisaroos
May 01, 2017

In reply to by Renee

This is great that you didn't fall for it. I was not so lucky and have been in so much grief and really feel embarrassed because i did fall for it. i have tried to get some resolution or help and feel i keep the run around or pass to the next. Apple i feel is trying some but idk? because when i first called in they didn't tell me that there was other folks and that the problem even existed. they said for me to go back to the place i got the itunes cards from? im really hoping something will happen to get my $$$ back. this loan place was extremely believable and prep to perform, i fell for it!
sammi1
June 20, 2017

In reply to by Renee

Omg I just got scammed today I can't believed that I spent 1,300 for stupid iTunes I fall for it! I'm all upset and heart broken I can't believed this I lost my whole money for this.I was never experienced scams before until now!
Skinny mama
January 18, 2018

In reply to by Renee

Yep they are telling me right now that I will be given court summons in few days. They said they will see me andy lawyer there.
Pupster
June 06, 2020

In reply to by Renee

The shame is before my friend died he had this so called love of his life online and he would spend thousands in iTunes cards in return being promised all this cash I used to say come on man it could be a guy with a female avatar that’s not what she looks like and the shame was he was a lonely guy
Missy
July 07, 2016

In reply to by David

on yesterday I was scammed out of $230.00 I am devistated I was trying to get an emergency loan and they had me buy two different Itunes cards. They wanted more money and all of a sudden I no longer qualified.
FTC Staff
July 07, 2016

In reply to by Missy

Please report this to the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint. The information you give will go into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations.

stupidlyscammed
September 17, 2016

In reply to by FTC Staff

Bridget, it's been recommended I attempt to get a lawyer for a similar scam as all of the above that resulted in a loss of $2500.00. I've already reported the incident to FTC, as well as iTunes, my bank, the stores where the cards were purchased, and the local police department. I wouldn't know where to begin with the type of lawyer. Do you have a suggestion? Thank you.
TEAMLOS is loo…
August 08, 2016

In reply to by David

These people just got me for 500.00$ made my reports to every higher up person involved however what good does that do ? Nothing because I have not and probably will not be reimbursed for the 500.00they stole! However let this shoe be on other foot and let me be the scammer best believe I would be caught thrown in prison.

I feel these multi billion dollar companies such as iTunes should reimburse the victim just like the credit card companies and bank reimburse the victim who is a customer when there is fraudulent activity on bank accounts or credit cards ! It's B's that these companies do not honor their customers and reimburse them instead it's like they too also victimize the already victimized victim and don't care because they got the $ when their gift card was purchased!

Delina
October 18, 2016

In reply to by David

I wish I would have known about this site a month ago. I got taken for 600.00 dollars from Advance America for a online loan.Paid for the loan with I tune gift card's. I'm really stupid.
FTC Staff
October 18, 2016

In reply to by Delina

I'm sorry that happened. You can help law enforcement by reporting what happened. Go to FTC.gov/complaint and give as many details as you can about who called, what they said, and what you did. The information you give will help law enforcement with investigations.

Cindy
November 03, 2016

In reply to by Delina

You are just trusting and that was taken advantage of. Try to not beat yourself up anymore. I hope things are getting better for you. It's sad how we can't be trusting or kind those we don't know anymore.
Shawn
October 19, 2016

In reply to by David

A girl on Facebook sent me a friend request and I accepted it. Now a few days later she is suddenly in love with me and is asking me for an iTunes card for 50$i have never dealt with this kind of thing before and am very confused about it.Do these scammers stoop to such levels as to play on a single persons loneliness?? I need advice because I am about to go send the money. I have their phone number but they prefer to chat on messenger. PLEASE HELP!!!
FTC Staff
October 19, 2016

In reply to by Shawn

This sounds like a scam. If someone you barely know and never  met asks you to send an iTunes card, don't do it. People will make up lots of stories about needing money or iTunes cards or help, but the stories are probably lies. If you send money one time, they'll ask for more.

Lost out
December 01, 2016

In reply to by Shawn

Same happened to me. Guy chatted me up and asked me to buy him a $25 iTunes card so we could talk instead of text. Then he asked for another $50. Nope. Wouldn't do it and bam, he's gone!
Collins
August 22, 2017

In reply to by Shawn

Oh well oh well...it might be a scam and it Might be now...for verification you can make a video call with her or call her to what out her accent and ask her a couple different questions...if you still feels doubted about her you might arrange for meet up before giving out the card
Bethany
February 09, 2017

In reply to by David

Im so glad i found this blog i just got a phone call today for a grant and they told me it would be for $8,700 and they already had all my information and everything and they told me i can get it by going to buy a $200 itunes gift card and then i can pick up my money from a money gram at a nearby money gram store im really glad i found this blog

Don't put up w…
April 10, 2017

In reply to by David

Got a guy from the Military trying to get me to buy him an iTunes card. Scratch ​it take a pic and send it to him. Supposed to be stationed in Virginia. Dealt with too many scammers from Ghana and Nigeria. Never got a dime from me.
Joan
February 11, 2018

In reply to by Don't put up w…

I have chat with this military guy month!! Called once, today asks me get I tune card so he can call me me more . !!
Mel
June 06, 2018

In reply to by Joan

Thid military guy just asked for 100.00. I only got 25.00 and he can't call me because its not 100.00. He acts like he is in love with me
Molly
December 11, 2018

In reply to by Joan

What was his name?! I may be going through the same thing!
Kyra
May 09, 2019

In reply to by Don't put up w…

I have a guy from the military his name is lucas Fanelli talking to me for about 5 weeks sweet talker saying all the right things claims he's in love with me saying he hasn't eaten in 5 weeks cause camp kitchen got blown up I'm not stupid he would be dead after 3 weeks he is saying he needs amazon or I tunes cards so he can buy food from trader I haven't bought any and I'm not going to bother x
P@verbl
May 04, 2017

In reply to by David

Im actually on my way to get the itune card now, is this fake???
FTC Staff
May 04, 2017

In reply to by P@verbl

If someone tells you to send an iTunes code so you can get a loan or a grant, or to claim a prize, it's a scam. If you tell them the code from the back of the card, they take the value of the card and you'll have nothing.

1234tizzydrake
June 08, 2017

In reply to by David

Same thing to me 850 dollars worth of gift cards then told me I had to pay 415 to get my money back
hazie_hazze
April 01, 2020

In reply to by 1234tizzydrake

a lady on fb told me to buy itunes gift card for her $200 but then told me the amount was invalid and that i need to go higher i need to buy another 200 dollar gift card so that i can get back 4800 dollars. Her fb name is lakisha scott if she tries to get in contact with you block her!
Kimberly k
June 22, 2017

In reply to by David

I just got every cent in my account stolen from advance america!! Im doing my best to have them found at this point!! Disgusting human beings!!
marie
August 01, 2017

In reply to by David

Oh my advAnce America and ace are both trying to get me to purchase iTunes gift cards. I messed up before investing this I bought one for hundred bucks now I'm out my bill money ..
Iris
August 10, 2017

In reply to by David

Hi im going thru that with them csn u tellme pleade if i get my money back cus i did the modt stupid thing n got burnt
Don't use your…
March 03, 2019

In reply to by David

Guy named Lawrence gibson, has been financing me, I am a widow. He wants I tunes cards so he can talk to me. Only I'm not falling for it. I know what he is. I just wish they could find him. His phone number is 408 695 3501.
9skylerpinnk
September 17, 2019

In reply to by David

Don't get a reply to Tamela Mann in spam you have to do goes to any Walmart get an I Tunes gift card 350. Then you have to pay FedEx $150.00 it's a spam
coco791
June 08, 2016

In reply to by mary

I just got a call from advanced america scammed me for 110 and then said they needed another 198 in order for me to get my loan
FTC Staff
June 08, 2016

In reply to by coco791

If you shared your bank or credit card account number and you don't want a company to take money or make charges, contact your bank or credit card company. Please report what happened to the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint. The information you give will go into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations.

Capcity80
July 01, 2016

In reply to by coco791

Yea did they deposit money in your account and have you send it back...i think they trying to get me right now
CDEL
July 14, 2016

In reply to by Capcity80

think I'm being scammed. Advance America sent me money and in hopes I would send it back for verification. They are telling me to use itune card to send the money back. Is this fraud?
ANEL
August 06, 2016

In reply to by CDEL

DID YOU RECEIVE MONEY? how MUCH? THEY TRIED TO PUT 980$ IN MY ACCOUNT. WAS IT LEGIT MONEY?
FTC Staff
August 08, 2016

In reply to by CDEL

This could be a scam. The only reason to buy iTunes cards is to shop at the iTunes store for music or digital goods.

If someone you don't know asks says they will give you money if you to send them iTunes cards, don't do it. Sending an iTunes card is like sending cash. If you tell them the code from the back of an iTunes card, they take control of the card. You can't get your money back.

NAL
July 05, 2016

In reply to by coco791

just got a call from advance america. while on the phone I started to research their info and ran across this blog. So sorry for the people who got scammed. This is really hard times for people and it is a shame how people are taking advantage of other peoples hard times.
Jodyboat
June 09, 2016

In reply to by mary

I received a call from the IRS that I owed 6,785.00 I was told to go buy ITUNES gift cards. Then instructed to scratch off the numbers and tell him. He said if I didn't pay the would put a warrant out for my arrest. All ready filed complaint with FCC. The number came up as 206-946-9656
kaylagreen53
June 14, 2016

In reply to by Jodyboat

This just happened to me today they got me for 350$
CourtneyB
June 15, 2016

In reply to by kaylagreen53

This just happened to me and they almost got 2,000. I couldnt even look up if it was a scam because they wouldn't let me get off the phone with them. If I did they told me they were going to keep my arrest warrant as it looked like I was running from the government.
FTC Staff
June 15, 2016

In reply to by CourtneyB

If you told a scammer the codes from the back of iTunes cards, you could contact Apple Customer Support immediately to see if they can stop scammers taking the value of the cards.

Please report the call to the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint. The information you give will go into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations. The details you provide help us track current scams.

Ttmishig
June 16, 2016

In reply to by FTC Staff

I just got scammed for $9000 from the homeland security through itunes. I want my money back! How can I get it back!!
FTC Staff
June 16, 2016

In reply to by Ttmishig

If you buy iTunes cards and tell someone the codes on the back, he can take the value immediately. The scammer might have already used the codes you told him.

You can contact Apple Support right away and ask them to stop anyone from taking the codes. If the scammer didn't use the codes yet, Apple Support might be able to help you.

Please report what happened to the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint. Give as many details as you want. The information you give will go into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations across the country.

ttmishig
June 16, 2016

In reply to by FTC Staff

Bridget, I called ITunes support and All 10 cards were redeemed but 1. I am short 8500 now because I was being stupid. How can I get this refunded? iTunes can't refund and I doubt the 3rd party seller (grocery store) could reimburse. Could I get credit somehow? I am not giving up on getting my money back. I need some suggestions
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