In short
The single most reliable sign of fraud is being asked to pay for anything using gift card codes - no legitimate organisation does this.
Other red flags include urgency, secrecy, impersonation of a trusted authority, and requests to keep the purchase private.
If you feel pressured or uncertain, stop the interaction immediately and verify independently before taking any action.
How to identify a fraudulent request
They want payment in gift cards
This is the clearest signal. No government tax authority, tech support company, bank, employer, or utility provider accepts gift cards as payment for real obligations. If someone is demanding gift card codes - regardless of the reason they give - treat it as fraud.
They create a sense of extreme urgency
Fraudsters rely on pressure. Phrases like "you must act now or be arrested", "your account will be closed in 1 hour", or "this is your last chance to avoid legal action" are designed to stop you from thinking. Urgency is engineered to prevent you from calling someone you trust or doing your own research.
They ask you to keep it secret
If the person tells you not to mention the purchase to your bank, family, or employer - that is a fraud tactic. Scammers know that anyone you speak to will likely warn you to stop.
They claim to be from a trusted authority
Common impersonations include government tax offices, police, Microsoft or Apple support, Amazon, a bank, or even CoinGate. Scammers use real company names and fake email addresses to seem credible. Always verify independently by going directly to the official website - never through a link provided by the person contacting you.
They ask for remote access to your device
If the person asks you to install software that lets them control your computer, stop immediately. No gift card purchase requires remote access. This technique is often used to steal personal data or move funds without your full awareness.
What to do if you suspect fraud
Pause and verify
Do not take any action while you are still in contact with the person. Hang up or close the chat. Look up the official number or website of the organisation they claim to represent and contact them directly to verify the request is real.
Tell someone you trust
Describe the situation to a friend, family member, or your bank before doing anything. Scammers succeed because victims feel isolated. A second perspective almost always reveals the fraud immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Can a scam request seem very convincing?
Yes. Fraudsters are skilled at impersonation and can use real logos, caller ID spoofing, and official-sounding language. The only reliable test is: does this person want gift card codes as payment? If yes, it is fraud - no matter how convincing they seem.
What if they say they represent CoinGate?
CoinGate Gift Cards does not contact customers to ask them to purchase gift cards or to pay any outstanding debt using gift cards. If someone claiming to be from CoinGate asks you to do this, do not comply and report it to our actual support team.
What if I already bought gift cards but haven't shared the codes yet?
Do not share the codes. Keep the cards and contact the retailer where you bought them - they may be able to cancel or refund them. Contact your bank if you paid by card to flag the transaction.
Where can I report a gift card fraud attempt?
Report to your national consumer protection authority. In the EU, contact your national consumer protection body. In the US, report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Also report to the gift card brand's fraud team.