Even if high gas prices are draining your budget, don’t fall for the scam involving gas station gift cars.
Scammers are tempting drivers with phony gift cards. It’s really a way to get your credit card details and other personal information.
It typically begins with post on social media or an email. Sometimes people take a survey which says they won a $500 gas station gift card. Currently, the scam claims to be from Shell, but watch out for scammers using different gasoline brands too.
To get the gift card, you only need to pay a small fee. But when scammers get your credit or debit card information, they likely will charge your account for amounts you never approved.
One consumer told BBB Scam Tracker: “They said I won a Shell gas card and had to pay $1.95 for shipping. A day later, they took $89.95 out of my account. I called about the charge and they fixed it, but the next day, another $89.95 was taken out again.”
In addition to your credit card information, the scam also may request other personal details.
Some consumers say they were asked to fill out a form and provide their name, phone number, physical address, credit card information and other details. Sharing these details can open you up to identity theft.
The Better Business Bureau offers this advice about how to avoid prize scams:
• Never pay to win. No legitimate company will…
