Table of Contents
Google Play gift card is one of the industry’s most popular and valuable gift cards. Its high demand, which transcends its high rates, can be attributed to the value it gives to users. The high value of Google Play gift cards has made them an attractive digital asset to scammers.
Often, many victims have tendered complaints about their ugly experiences with scammers involved in various requested payments with gift cards. Scores of those complaints mentioned that the scammers wanted payment through Google Play gift cards which made them give out the code at the back of the card.
These scams can come in many different ways, and the primary purpose is to drain the money in the card and leave the victims with useless cards.
One crucial fact to note about google play gift cards is that they can only be used to buy apps, games, books, and movies through the Google Play Store and anyone who convinces you to pay them using your google play gift card is a scammer.
In this light, this article dives deep into common Google play gift card scams you should be wary of.
Common Google Play Gift Card Scams
1. Impersonation Scam
You may receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from the Federal/State Inland Revenue Service (FIRS/SIRS), the police, or another government agency. If this caller attempts to scare you into purchasing gift cards as payment for back taxes or other legal issues, hang up, this caller is a scammer.
This is a scam even if the caller knows and calls out some details of your confidential documents. The caller may become hostile or insulting, threatening you with arrest or suspending your business or driver’s license. Under no circumstances will the FIRS, police, or any other government entity accept payment through gift cards to resolve tax or other legal issues.
2. Email Messages
You might receive an email from a friend asking you to do a task or favour by purchasing Google Play gift cards and emailing them the redemption codes.
While the sender’s name and email address may appear to be those of a family member, friend, or colleague, this is a sophisticated phishing scam disguised as a legitimate request from someone you know. Do not purchase gift cards and then respond with redemption codes. Do not respond directly to the email sender or click on any links in their email if you want to confirm whether or not the request is legitimate. Instead, contact the person requesting the gift codes in person or via another means of communication (e.g. phone call).
3. Reduced-priced goods or services
Someone may entice you with a great deal and a significant discount if you pay with a Google Play gift card rather than a credit/debit card. They may also claim that you have problems with a recent credit/debit card payment and must pay with a Google Play gift card instead. This is not real. It is a scam, do not reveal your card to them.
4. Family Emergency
A caller may claim to be a family member in distress (or an attorney or representative of a family member in distress) who requires money in the form of gift cards to alleviate their emergency. The caller may try to persuade you not to contact the family member to validate the claims, don’t believe them, it’s a scam. Once you buy the gift card and send it to them, you will never hear from them again.
5. Technology Support
You may receive a phone call from someone who is tech support or a computer software company requesting Google Play gift cards as payment for computer repairs. Alternatively, you may receive an email from a computer software company requesting that you call for them to protect your computer from harmful viruses or to repair a program you use. The email could be infected with a virus that causes computer problems.
When you call, they will ask for payment and may claim that your credit cards have also been compromised because your computer has been compromised. They will then request payment through a Google Play gift card.
6. Romance Scam
Romance scams are one the popular gift card scams people are facing today. You may meet someone on a dating site or any social media platform, and after a certain level of trust has been established, they will ask you to send them a Google Play gift card. They will tell you some sad stories about how they need money and trick you into sending them the gift card.
You shouldn’t send gift cards to someone you haven’t met physically.
How To Avoid Google Play Gift Card Scam
1. Never Use Gift Cards as Payment
Google Play cards are for digital purchases and nothing else. If someone asks you to pay fines, bills, or fees with a gift card, it’s a scam. No legit company, government agency, or support rep will ask for it.
2. Keep Your Code Private
Once the code is out, it’s as good as spent, there’s no getting it back. Whether you’re gifting or selling a card, only reveal the code to someone you fully trust, or after receiving payment through a secure channel.
3. Double-Check Strange Requests
If your boss or friend suddenly asks for a gift card, pause. Reach out through another trusted method to confirm it’s really them.1
4. Beware of Unrealistic Gift Card Bargains
If someone’s offering a $200 card for $50, think twice. Deep discounts from strangers usually mean used, fake, or stolen cards.
5. Buy Only From Trusted Sources
Stick to major retailers and verified platforms. Avoid unsealed or tampered cards, and never buy from random sellers on social media or chat apps.
6. Stay Off Fake Redemption Sites
Scam sites may look like Google but aren’t. They’ll steal your code and vanish. Always redeem cards through the official Google Play app or play.google.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Google Play Gift Card Scams
What should I do if someone asks me to pay them with Google Play cards?
Stop immediately. No legitimate business, government agency, or tech support will ever ask for payment in gift cards.
Are all discounted Google Play cards fake?
Not necessarily, but steep, unofficial discounts are a major red flag. Unless it’s a seasonal promo from a trusted retailer, be cautious.
Is it safe to sell my Google Play gift card online?
Yes, but only if you use reputable platform like Prestmit. It is simple, safe, and profitable to sell Google Play gift card on this platform.
How do I report a fake buyer or scammer?
Reporting gift card scams to Google, your local law enforcement, and platforms like the FTC (for U.S. users) is your best bet. If the scam occurred on a social platform, report the account directly there too.
Can I track who redeemed my Google Play card?
No. Gift card redemptions are typically anonymous and not publicly traceable. This is why gift card codes are a favorite tool for scammers, and once it’s redeemed, the funds are gone for good.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that it’s a scam if you’re asked to pay someone with a Google Play gift card in exchange for goods or services. Using Google Play gift cards to pay for anything other than the Google Play Android app store violates Google Play’s Terms of Service.
It is critical to understand that all the strategies described above are scams. Scammers may instruct you where to buy Google Play gift cards (e.g. Walgreen, Walmart, etc.). Scammers may try to discourage you from talking to or answering questions from store employees, colleagues, friends, or family members.
Last updated on June 23, 2025
