GOOGLE is warning billions of customers of a massive gift-card scam that could lead to people losing thousands of dollars.
The tech giant is calling on Google users to remain aware of the scheme and take several actions to avoid falling victim.
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On the Google Play Help support page, the company revealed the scammers often attempt to trick customers into providing Google Play gift cards.
While the amount can vary depending on the scheme, Google detailed the gift card is often requested alongside an intimidation tactic.
“In most situations, the scammers will call, saying that you owe money for taxes, bail money, debt collection, and more,” Google said.
“Then they’ll tell you that to avoid getting arrested or getting your SNN, or physical items taken, you have to pay them using gift cards.”
Any person receiving a message similar to this should be immediately suspicious, as Google Play gift cards can only be used in the Google Play store.
Google has explained that these gift cards cannot be used for any other purpose outside of the Google Play Store — such as taxes, concert tickets, or bail money.
To further avoid becoming a victim in the cybercrime, the tech company urges users to never provide gift cards and gift card codes to people they do not know.
“Once you provide the codes to a scammer, they’ll likely spend the funds on the card immediately,” Google said.
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However, if you do find yourself caught in the scheme, Google has also provided a number of steps to take.
The company has warned that has Google Play gift cards are not redeemable for cash, not reloadable and non-refundable, it may be extremely difficult to retrieve your lost funds.
Still, Google asks all scam victims to provide as much information as possible to investigate.
Additionally, the tech company urges all potential victims to report the scam to the local authorities, Federal trade Commission and Google itself.
In order to report to Google, all users have to do is click a blue button listed on the support page.
The button reads “Report the gift card scam to Google”.
Upon clicking it, users are given the option to chat or email about the issue.
Users will be asked to provide lots of information including details about a gift card you may have accidentally purchased for a scammer.
When reporting the scam, the person making the report must also be the person affected in the case.
Users do not need a Google Account to report the incident.
Instead, use this form instead of the button.
