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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

It is your choice whether to submit a comment. If you do, you must create a user name, or we will not post your comment. The Federal Trade Commission Act authorizes this information collection for purposes of managing online comments. Comments and user names are part of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) public records system, and user names also are part of the FTC’s computer user records system. We may routinely use these records as described in the FTC’s Privacy Act system notices. For more information on how the FTC handles information that we collect, please read our privacy policy.

The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
  • We won’t post comments that include vulgar messages, personal attacks by name, or offensive terms that target specific people or groups.
  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

FTC Staff
May 25, 2016

In reply to by Ms504

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.

Cella12
May 18, 2016

So I got a caLloyd yesterday from a person who sounded Indian and called me on a private number. He told I have been pick by the federal government to give me a $9,000 free. I know things like this don't happen like that. So he give me his agent number 1(202)7805594 which was from Washington DC. I called that number and it was a lady, she sounds so convincing and confident in what she's telling me.

She said i all I had to do was to get an iTunes gift that was supposed to be but I had to pay $249 to activate the card and then I could get my money. I told her I dont have a credit card on purpose and as soon as I said that, she said do you have cash and I was like no. So she then told me to call back when I got the money.

Asked her to provide me with website of what she was telling me and she said federalgrant.gov and with the kindividual of person I am I have to research first and find what I need to know. It sounded so good in my ears and I even told them this soundsemester like a scam and too good to be true. She went on saying the federal government pick people base on certain things. But I'm glad I didid not go through with it but instead I stumbled on this website.

Joseph
May 20, 2016
Wow same exact person same exact number called me with the same story
Kris
May 23, 2016
after being declined for a bunch of loans, I was desperate. I got a call saying i was approved. They sent me a payment and asked me to send it back to prove the account was active. I was wired 450 and sent back 500. He said the extra would be added to the loan. Then I was asked to send another 130 for taxes because the loan was over 2000. I was wired another 450 and told the rest would be in there by the end of business day. On Monday i checked my account and saw that two checks were deposited as the "wires". The checks were from a couple in Montana and "signed" by me. I immediately went and canceled my back account. Since I got a few harassing emails from this "john smith" saying that someone like me doesn't deserve a loan because i 'took' his money.
veronia a
May 24, 2016
for the past two months these people have been calling me and saying that i have some money from the government. that i earned this $9,000 for being such a good citizens and for me to collect the money i needed to get the iTunes car and then providing the numbers on the back of the card and then after that in 5 minutes they will deposit the money back in my account they just want to make sure that I was the right person. but after I give her the numbers she said it was something wrong that I need to buy another iTunes card and then they will give me the whole money back that's what I said this is not right. you guys are doing fraud. because this is illegal and he got really upset.and hang up the phone on me, and then he call 2 minutes after and said veronica think right, you almost there just buy that other iTunes for $495 and you will get all your money together. after that I when directly to the chase bank, and I realize that it was a fraud but it was too late they already got my money.this are that numbers (646)000-1312 (206)823-3077 (646)632-2394
FTC Staff
May 24, 2016

In reply to by veronia a

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.

v8_deville_
May 26, 2016

In reply to by veronia a

Call apple support and have the cards disabled if they are not redeemed to fraudulent accounts. Doing so may help with getting a refund from the store front depending on their policies.
Dave B
May 25, 2016
My 91 yr old father was scammed to purchase $2,000 in iTunes cards to help a relative. Before the scammers were given the codes the family found out an stopped the fraud. Now Apple or CVS (where the cards were purchased) refuses to refund my father for the iTunes cards. Other than just report a complaint is there a way for the FTC to help my father in this situation? We can provide the receipt, police report and the detective's phone # if that would help.
FTC Staff
May 27, 2016

In reply to by Dave B

Apple Customer Support may be able to help you get a refund from the retail card seller. You could contact them again and explain that you have a receipt and police report, and that the funds are on the cards.

When there are funds available on a card, but a retailer refuses to refund, Apple Customer Support may bring the matter to third parties who can contact the retail card seller about the possibility of a refund. 

And yes, please report this to the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint. The details you provide - for example, about the scam call, your report to police and seeking a refund - will go into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations.

CraigsListEbayMotor
May 26, 2016
The scam: post car on Craig's list. Then once you show interest they send you a link with more pictures and request your eBay info so they can "initiate the sell using eBay buyer protection". An invoice is sent to you from what seems to be a legitimate eBay Motors source with an invoice. Telling you to buy iTunes gift cards to pay. The Max is $500 on a card so they're kind enough to tell you how many you need to buy. Things to watch for: 1) Craig's list and eBay have no connection. 2) eBay does not accept iTunes gift cards as payment. 3) iTunes gift cards are not used for purchases outside of iTunes. This is all a scam. Please don't fall for this. Be very cautious when buying online. People are out there who will take advantage of your trusting nature and kind heart. There aren't a lot of resources to help you after the fact (once you fall for it).
marihoop
July 02, 2016

In reply to by CraigsListEbayMotor

This is true. Almost happened to my son today. Luckily we were suspicious and did a bit of online research. Thank god for sites like this. I am grateful people are posting their stories because it saved my son. I hate that scams are seeming so real. Using Ebay really made it look legitimate. I wish Ebay would shut scammers out! Watch out for the name "Selena Nolan". If you here this name it's a scam.
12sassy
May 27, 2016
This eBay motor scam is also an offer up.
Scorned
May 28, 2016
Was taken for a Romance scam on the website "Tinder" by a guy name Matthew Graham Johnson claiming to be a US Combat Medic in Syria for the US Army. iTunes cards, military service leave and air fare. Very smooth talker. I am a Christian and he knew the Bible well. Will pry on loney women . Used a woman to pick money I wired to a bank account in NY. Please don t fall for these scams. I am not only ashamed and embarrassed but out of $1000 s of dollars. Trying to recover from financial debt. Reported to all agencies and have not gotten a response except for a file # for reports filed ,
Ripped off
June 01, 2016

I too was scammed today from a company that I have been in a dispute with for the last six months about a refund.

I was told to purchase 4 Itunes cards for $500 each and then the amount they owed me plus the amounts I paid would be loaded to the card. I should have followed my first instinct not to do this, but figured they were finally going to do something about the refund since I had made a complaint to the BBB, the FTC and FCC along with the Attorney General of New York.

Fortunately I was able to contact my credit card company to close this account and stop the charges, but I'm afraid they may already have gotten their money. I have filed another report to the FTC about this company. Beware if anyone from LiveTechOnCall calls about computer support, hang up. It's a ripoff!!!

FTC Staff
June 01, 2016

In reply to by Ripped off

Thank you for reporting your complaint to the FTC. The information you give will go into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations.

srini
June 01, 2016

Hi Guys, Recently i have received a call like they he told calling from us ferderal verification department.he took lot of money from through itunes.his name david his no is :518-300-3861

FTC Staff
June 01, 2016

In reply to by srini

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

grpm2108
June 01, 2016
A family member recently purchased $3000 in iTunes cards via this scam but luckily did not transfer the card numbers to the scammer. This has been report at the FTC complaint website. What is our best course of action towards getting our money back?
FTC Staff
June 02, 2016

In reply to by grpm2108

You could contact Apple Customer Support. They may be able to help you get a refund from the retail card seller when funds are still on the cards. Apple Customer Support may ask you to provide a police report and other documents, like a receipt for the cards. Apple may not make refunds directly, but may refer you back to the retailer, and work to contact the retailer about a refund. Please write again if you have questions about this.

Thank you for reporting this to the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint. The details you provided will go into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations.

fadafk
June 02, 2016
They just called and got my wife all worked up and in tears! Thought she was going to get arrested if she hung up and was on the phone for 45 min before they tried the ITunes gift card scam. They said it was the IRS and the call was being recorded. Phone number was 206-823-3341. Luckily she didn't give any information.
phattness
June 06, 2016
I read to report to the ftc....how would I go about sending them emails I received? I am out of $500.... scammed on a check loan company. They keep sending me emails with threatening to take me to court in Texas....even sent me a picture document of case and everything. It was two people I sent money (iTunes cards) to but get emails form others saying they are filling charges.
afk79
June 07, 2016
This just happened to my fiance. A gentleman by the name of Eric Willis called him & told him he was approved for a $9480 Federal Grant. He alleged that he worked for the government. In order to transfer the money, he alleged that my fiance had to pay the tax on the amount he was promised. I knew right away it was a scam, but we are getting married in 2 months & my fiance was hoping to buy our honeymoon with the money. Anyways, 2 payments later & the guy is still calling him telling him that if he just pays one final payment the money will be his. I can't tell you how disappointed & embarrassed my fiance is. These people will stop at nothing to get any amount of money.
FTC Staff
June 08, 2016

In reply to by afk79

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 nationwide.

jack - scammed…
June 09, 2016
This just happened to me about 2 hours ago. They called me this morning saying they were from the Investigative Division of the IRS. Eric Martin was his fake name I am guessing. The number they called from was from New York 347-441-6413. They said I owed them $8000 due ASAP or I would go to jail for 5-7 years and they had a warrant for my arrest. Then I got an incoming call from a +1911 number looking like the 911 number. They said they were the police and had a warrant for my arrest. I told them I was on the other line with the IRS trying to resolve the problem. I do owe the IRS money but I am on a payment plan. They said they needed all of it ASAP. I was scared because of the fake police call. I proceeded to talk to them and they said they could resolve it if I paid it in full today. I agreed. I had about $4k in my bank account and would borrow the rest. They said that was agreeable and would call off the police warrant. I was relieved but still scared. I thought it was strange how aggressive they were. Then they gave me instructions how to give them the money. ITunes gift card purchases were the method of payment. I thought it was strange but I was still scared of going to jail so I did it. I took $3500 out of my bank and bought 7 different ITunes gift cards from different locations and gave the guy the code on the back. They pressured me to get $4500 more to pay off the balance but I didn't have it so I said I had to borrow it from my family. They made me drive to my parents house 2 hours away while being on hold with them. Apparently so I couldn't call or ask anyone's advice about what was going on. I did. I started to think about what if this was fraud. When I got home, before I asked for the extra $4500 I was going to make them verify some info, like my social or my correct address. They had my old address and not even the one I filed taxes under. I was super suspicious then. I hung up on them despite my fear of being arrested. I called the local police and asked if I had an outstanding warrant and they said no. I explained my situation and they said it's a common scam. I tried calling The IRS but their hold times are outrageous and its past closing time for them. I figured out finally I was scammed out of $3500. I am on the phone with Apple to cancel or close out the ITunes purchases. I hope they honor my request. I will report this to e FTC as well. I tried calling the police dept but they are closed as well. Be careful out there people. They have elaborate ways of scaring the hell of you.
Sara
June 14, 2016

So this morning I received a threatening call from someone who claimed to be from the IRS. She told me a warrant was issued for my arrest for $3,742.00 in taxes that I owed and that local IRS agents were going to be at my house in the next 45 minutes if we were not able to resolve the situation. I panicked and told her I am a law abiding citizen and this is a mistake.

She proceeded to tell me that the arrest warrant would be lifted only if I made a payment of $1000 right away and to not hang up the phone or tell anyone about what was going on or they would not lift the warrant. I began to cry and let her know I am pregnant and also have a small child at home and that I do not have that kind of money (being a single parent) so she pretended to put me on hold and returned to let me know her investigator will let me send a $250 payment right away so they will know I'm "loyal" and then we would set up a payment plan.

I agreed and asked her how do I make the payment. She made me stay on the phone with her while I got my child in the car and drove to the atm to get the money. (note that it was STORMING outside the entire time) when I had the money She then told me to go to Walgreens and get a "tax pay voucher" also to let her know when I pulled up to Walgreens..red flags started to fly as she kept talking. I asked her if this was a scam and she assured me it was not. I once again told her of my pregnancy and small child.

When I pulled up to Walgreens she told me to get an ITUNES gift card and do not tell the employee that it for for a tax pay voucher because walgreens would charge an extra $50 to do it that way. I automatically went off because I knew then for certain I was being scammed. I cursed the lady and then told her I was calling the IRS and police and reporting her. She hung up on me and when I tried to call back multiple times it was no answer.. Please please please people be aware. And please keep our elders aware of what is going on also. I hope all of these people are caught and prosecuted for what they are doing. They are vicious.

FTC Staff
June 14, 2016

In reply to by Sara

Thank you for sharing this story so other people can be aware. Please report this to the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint. The details you give will go into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations.

The comments you put here on the blog don't go into the law enforcement database.

HCREeves
June 15, 2016

In reply to by Sara

She must have called me right after you! I got the same thing and they told me to stop crying as any backlash in could be deamed disorderly and they would send someone to my house in 45 minutes. I'm so sorry this happened to you.
HCREeves
June 15, 2016
This happened to me today. I really didn't think I would fall for something like this! They were very convincing and pushy. When it came to the point of driving to a target to get iTunes cards I told the that is was in the parking lot looking for scams to double check there legitimacy. I finally hung up. But the warrant threats, loss of social security privledges and that the "government thinks I'm avoiding back taxes" was in hindsight outrageous.
gmoney
June 15, 2016
I just got called and was offered $9,000 as a loyalty grant for paying my taxes and bills for so long. I was told it was a reimbursement for doing so. I was given conf code and a phone# to call and give that code (202)792-9782 When I called Angel at EXT 107 said I needed to purchase an ITunes card for $260 then proved the 16 digit code on the back of that card. Once that code was provided then the $9000 would be released via moneygram within 45 minutes. Soon as I got off the phone I googled this and immediately found this site. It's so sad that this is going on and that lots of people have been duped. If it sounds too good to be true... It probably is.
PENNY PINCHER
June 16, 2016
I am tight with the buck, I think that I have at least average common sense, that said, I am really stupid. Got scanned for $2,000. ITUNE cards 6/15 and nearly lost an additional $3,000... The "STORY"; Grandson calls, in jail and needs bail, there goes $2,000. Then need 3K for attorney fees. Clerk asks me if I am being scammed when buy the 3K ITUNE cards, and I say no, I know what I'm doing... Stopped and thought about it after I bought the 3k cards. Grandson is not in jail, called APPLE trying to get the 2k in cards voided, forget that, called credit card company to deal with APPLE, no good, reported incident to local police.. Now I have SIX $500.00 ITUNE cards, store will not take them back.. Need to try APPLE again to see if they will void them and make some reimbursement ...... HAVE A GOOD DAY
FTC Staff
June 20, 2016

In reply to by PENNY PINCHER

I"m sorry this happened to you. You can contact the fraud department of the store that sold the cards to you. Tell the fraud department you want to file a report, and want a refund.

You can also contact Apple Customer Support. Apple Customer Support may be able to help you get a refund from the card seller. You could contact Apple again and explain that you have a receipt and police report, and that the funds are on the cards.

Please report this to the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint. The details you provide - for example, about the scam call, your report to police and seeking a refund - will go into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations.

Rts1984
June 20, 2016

Hi im terrie just got scammed out of 3000 !!i was trying to get a personal loan and the girl wgo called had me use itune cards for wiring transfers for loan app for stae and federal taxes and on and on

i ask for my money back they told me i had to purchase another itune card to pay for my money to be sent back to the bank that didnt happen they called me back after promising me that my funds would go back to the bank they asked for abother itune card for 600 hundred for all the paperwork to be put back together and signed off

so all together i apent 3000 on itune cards !!! They will not give me back my money they say there address is consumer loan dept 800 w 17 th st washington d.c 20006 there number is 1 209 644 2221 ask for rodger or nicole or mark or rick or nelson one of them will scam you !!! Im a honest person on s.s.d get very little income its my fault for going with it but i really did need the 3000 to pay my taxes now i might lose my house which is paid off !!!

FTC Staff
June 20, 2016

In reply to by Rts1984

Please file a report with the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint. The information you put in your complaint will go into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations. You can enter the address, phone number and names that the scammers used.

The comments you put here on the blog don't go into the law enforcement database.

If you're having trouble paying property taxes right now, you could contact your local government and ask if they can help you with a payment plan. If you need to pay state or federal income taxes you can contact those tax offices and ask about a payment plan.

MarkS
June 22, 2016

In reply to by FTC Staff

Bridget,

Apple knows that their iTunes gift cards are being used fraudently in this way -- in effect, they are laundering money -- but they do nothing to stop it. What is their responsibility/liability in this?

Thanks,

MarkS

FTC Staff
June 22, 2016

In reply to by MarkS

We appreciate your concerns, but cannot comment on any entity’s possible responsibility or liability in connection with such a scam.

LEG
June 27, 2016

In reply to by FTC Staff

Totally agree with Mark S. The fact that they sell $500 iTunes cards says they are complicit. There is nothing to buy with these cards anymore - a song costs $1 and most people use streaming services. It is totally outrageous
AP
June 22, 2016
I received a call stating I owed the IRS $6000 and I needed to pay immediately or else an arrest warrant would be issued. They instructed me to leave my job and go to my car for "privacy reasons", then instructed me to immediately drive to the nearest pharmacy and purchase an I-Tunes gift card. This seemed very strange, so I asked for the IRS regulation number authorizing the IRS to collect via I-Tunes. The foreign scam artist got very aggressive and kept threatening me with arrest. I called him some few choice curse words and hung up the phone. They immediately called me back and I hung up again.
thaithanhokc
June 27, 2016

they call me today and they want me to pay them 1000 for goverment for my SSN and the government only see but can not do anything.

If a lots of people get trap like me who can help them or if they kill themself because of trust a nation in there have the laws and rules that can help people live a good life and good work to have money to servey there family....But nothing like ex:if someone try your name do do bad thing you hear it but you did not do anything to stop that event you have the power in your hands so you will stop or let them do whatever they want to do to trick people around you by your name (lucky my nam is not government)

I cry to much lastnight so now I do not have tears so I only say I will try to get some job and rebuild money for all my bills. Again I FEEL so upsad why nobody help me. DO YOU FEEL reproachful when you have powers in your hands but you just sit there and can not do anything ( I guest)i have no money to pay for my bill now GOD help

ripped off
June 27, 2016

My son just got ripped off by the IRS and iTunes gift card scam for $2300. Called Apple iTunes and they said they could not share information about who is using the cards but have the information on file.

When I continued to press, the supervisor stated that they can only release the information to law enforcement. As we all know you need an iTunes account to use iTunes gift cards, why can't the FTC or IRS ask for the information from Apple and follow up with who is accessing the funds?

Since most of the calls are threatening, doesn't it fall under extortion? The electronic transactions can be traced. Even if the cards were used to purchase specific products from iTunes store, they can all be traced and accounts disabled.

FTC Staff
June 29, 2016

In reply to by ripped off

Please ask your son to report this to the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint. The information he gives will go into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations.

Ml0345
March 01, 2017

In reply to by FTC Staff

I agree apple should be forces to turn over that info! They did the same thing when they refused to help the FBI with a known terrorist crime on our country's soil. We as Americans should boycott Apple. Instead the issues get pushed under the carpet and our $ keeps lining their pockets
zknight.adam
June 25, 2016
The same thing happened to me yesterday they took out 200$ out of my iTunes gift card,Is there any possibility of me getting it back please help me out I'm stressed out.
FTC Staff
June 29, 2016

In reply to by zknight.adam

If you tell someone the code on an iTunes card, he can take the value from the card immediately. If you think maybe the scammer didn't use the value yet, contact Apple Support and ask them to disable the cards so the scammer can't use it.

If the scammer already used the value, the money is gone. It's important to report this to the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint. The information you give will go into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations.

saam
June 29, 2016
- I just got scammed by some one in Sanfrancisco the scamers told me that iam tax defaulter and pay 2000 dollars now otherwise they will arest me and put me in a jail then i purchased 2000 dollars worth itune gift card but i did not give them the code of cards and even not scrached the cards i go back to cvs for refund my cards but they said they did not refund that cards please any one to help me to how can refund these un used cards and get my money back
FTC Staff
June 29, 2016

In reply to by saam

You can contact Apple Support. Tell them that you have the cards, and the codes were not used. Ask them for help with a refund. Also, go back to the store and talk to the customer service department. You might have to look online for a customer service department email or phone number for the business. Tell them you have the cards and the codes and you want a refund.

It is also very important to report this to the FTC. Go to FTC.gov/complaint and explain what happened. Include all the details you have. The information will go into a database, and law enforcement agencies look at that information.

If the store or Apple will not help you, please send another comment. Your comments help other people know what scammers are doing.

saam
June 29, 2016

In reply to by FTC Staff

I called apple support they told me that it is refundable but you didn't buy these card from us thats y we can not regund it you purchased itune hift card from cvs and your money is in cvs regester so they will returend it but cvs not ready to refund they told me contact with apple please any one help me this regard my cards are un used and un scrached so what can i do for got my money back
FTC Staff
June 30, 2016

In reply to by saam

You might have to contact the customer service department for the company if the local store will not help you. You can ask Apple Support if they can give you proof that the cards have value if that is what the store wants.

I hope you did report this to law enforcement at FTC.gov/complaint. Your story will help law enforcement know more about this scam, and help with investigations.

This FTC article tells more about making a consumer complaint.

You might use social media to tell your story. Many companies have people who look at the public posts and complaints about their service that appear on social media pages. Your post will be most effective if you use a reasonable tone and explain the problem clearly. To avoid negative perceptions, the company may respond quickly to your problem.

You could contact your local media’s call for action line.

ignaciacatalan90
June 29, 2016
On Monday I got scam from the IRS they made me buy some iTunes cards 6 of them $500 each I gave them $3000 So iTunes it's not doing nothing about all these scamming is there a way we can sue iTunes ? For all these that is happening