Officials Warn Cherokee County Residents of Gift Card Scam Resurgence
CHEROKEE COUNTY – Authorities are warning residents to be on alert as gift card scams are once again circulating in the area.
Reports indicate that scammers are attempting to trick victims into purchasing gift cards and then providing the card numbers as a supposed form of “payment” or “verification.”
The scams often begin with a phone call, text message, or email claiming to be from a government agency, law enforcement, utility company, or even a family member in distress. Victims are typically pressured with urgent threats—such as the risk of arrest, service disconnection, or missed deadlines—unless immediate payment is made. The scammer then instructs the victim to buy gift cards from major retailers and provide the codes over the phone or online.
Red Flags to Watch For
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Legitimate agencies or businesses will never request payment in gift cards.
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Scammers rely on urgency and threats to pressure victims into acting quickly.
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Many will insist victims keep the situation secret and avoid discussing it with others.
How to Protect Yourself
Officials advise residents to hang up immediately on unsolicited calls demanding payment, never purchase gift cards for someone else’s “payment,” and verify suspicious claims by directly contacting the agency, business, or family member using an official phone number.
What To Do If Targeted
Anyone who believes they have been contacted by a scammer should avoid providing personal or financial details. Incidents can be reported to local law enforcement and to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
https://weisradio.com/2025/08/01/cherokee-county-sheriff-warns-residents-of-ongoing-phone-scams/
https://weisradio.com/2025/06/08/alea-warns-alabamians-of-nationwide-phishing-scam/
