A Jefferson County man recently fell victim to a gift card scam, prompting local law enforcement to issue a public warning. According to police, the scam began with a phone call from someone impersonating a government official. The caller claimed the victim owed money and demanded payment via gift cards—a tactic increasingly used by fraudsters to avoid traceable transactions.
After purchasing several gift cards and sharing the codes over the phone, the man realized he’d been duped. By then, the funds were unrecoverable. Police emphasized that no legitimate agency will ever request payment through gift cards, and urged residents to hang up immediately if they receive such calls.
Authorities are now working to raise awareness across Jefferson County, encouraging people to report suspicious activity and educate vulnerable individuals—especially seniors—who are frequently targeted.
This incident underscores the importance of scam literacy and community vigilance. If you or someone you know receives a call demanding gift card payments, contact your local police department or file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov..
Based on reporting by: WWNY TV