Gift cards are one of the most convenient ways to send money, shop online, and gift loved ones. But in Nigeria and around the world, Gift Card Scams are exploding. Every week, people lose thousands of naira to fraudsters posing as buyers, sellers, even as customer support agents.
Scammers love gift cards because once a code is redeemed, the money is gone forever. No chargebacks. No bank reversals. Just loss. They prefer gift cards because they act like cash, are untraceable, and are nearly impossible to recover once the PIN is shared
This guide breaks down the 7 most common Gift Card Scams, explains how they work, and shows you exactly how to avoid them.
Why Gift Card Scams Are So Common in Nigeria
Gift cards are widely used in Nigeria for:
- Online subscriptions
- International shopping
- Freelancing payments
- Crypto and digital exchanges
But weak regulation, peer-to-peer trading, and social-media marketplaces make gift card fraud in Nigeria quite easy to carry out.
Many people unknowingly trade with fake gift card sellers and at times scammers pretend to be buyers. One wrong step and the card value is wiped out.
1. The “Overpayment” Gift Card Scam
How does it work?
A scammer pretends to buy your gift card and sends fake payment proof showing they paid more than agreed. They ask you to “refund” the extra by sending gift card codes.
Once you send your gift card, you realize their original payment was fake.
How to avoid it
- Never send gift cards as “refunds”
- Always confirm payment in your bank or wallet
- Only trade on verified platforms that guarantee payment like Nexar
2. Fake Gift Card Buyer Scam
This is one of the most common Gift Card Scams in Nigeria.
How does it work?
A scammer agrees to buy your gift card and asks you to send the code first “for verification.” Once you send it, they disappear.
How to avoid it
- Never send gift card codes before receiving payment
- Use escrow-based platforms
- Avoid WhatsApp or Telegram buyers who refuse to use secure platforms
3. Fake Gift Card Sellers
This scam hits people who want to buy gift cards.
How does it work?
The seller offers discounted gift cards on Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp. You send money. They send nothing or send codes that are already used.
This is a major source of gift card fraud in Nigeria.
How to avoid it
- Never buy gift cards from random DMs
- Only use verified websites or well-known platforms
- Always confirm refund policies
4. “Customer Support” Gift Card Scam
Scammers pretend to be Amazon, Apple, Google, or Netflix support.
How does it work?
They tell you there’s a problem with your account and ask you to pay with gift cards to “fix it.”
Real companies never ask for gift cards as payment.
How to avoid it
- No legitimate company requests gift card payments
- Never share codes with anyone claiming to be support
- Always contact companies through official websites
5. Fake Gift Card Balance Checkers
This scam targets people trying to verify cards.
How does it work?
They create a website that claims to check your gift card balance. When you enter your code, it steals it and redeems it instantly.
How to avoid it
- Only check balances on official brand websites
- Never use third-party “balance check” tools
- Do not share card codes on any website except the official issuer
6. Marketplace Swap Scams
This is one of the fastest-growing Gift Card Scams.
How does it work?
A scammer offers to swap gift cards (e.g., Amazon for Steam). Once you send your code, they vanish.
How to avoid it
- Avoid the peer-to-peer swaps
- Use platforms with escrow protection
- Never trust screenshots as proof
7. Fake Gift Card Investment or Promo Scams
Scammers claim you can “double” your gift card value.
How does it work?
They tell you to send gift cards to join a promo or investment. You never hear from them again.
How to avoid it
- Gift cards are not investments
- There is no legitimate “gift card doubling”
- Avoid any offer that sounds too good to be true
How to Avoid Gift Card Scams in Nigeria
Here’s how to protect yourself from Gift Card Scams:
1. Only buy from trusted platforms
Never rely on Instagram sellers or WhatsApp traders. Platforms like NexarHQ should be your go-to platform for gift card purchase and exchange nexarhq
2. Never share gift card codes before payment
Once shared, your money is gone. You should confirm the reception of and addition of the payment in your balance before sharing the code
3. Avoid rushed deals
Scammers create panic (e.g., “your account is compromised,” “you owe taxes”) to make victims act without thinking.
4. Verify sellers and platforms
Look for real websites, reviews, and customer support. NexarHQ is one of the most trustworthy websites you can use for your giftcard exchange without stressing it. Visit NexarHQ
5. Use platforms that guarantee transactions
Escrow systems prevent fraud. The buyer pays into the escrow account, and the agent manages the release based on the contract, ensuring trust and safety for both parties. Visit escrow>>
What a Safe Gift Card Purchase Looks Like
A safe gift card purchase should include:
- Verified seller
- Instant delivery
- Customer support
- Refund or dispute system
- Secure payment
Anything outside this is risky.
Why Nexar?
Nexar is built to make selling and exchanging gift cards simple and safe. When you convert your gift card to cash on Nexar, you get:
- A secure wallet system that keeps your money and card details protected
- Live gift card rates so you always know exactly how much your card is worth
- Fast payment in Naira, straight to your account
- Helpful customer support if there’s ever a delay or issue
- Strong protection against fraud, theft, and fake cards
In short, Nexar takes the stress out of gift card trading and gives you a safer, smoother way to turn your gift cards into cash.
Final Thoughts
Gift Card Scams are growing fast, but they only succeed when people don’t know how they work. By understanding these scam types and following smart safety rules, you can avoid being another victim of gift card fraud in Nigeria.
If you trade gift cards regularly, your best defense is knowledge, caution, and choosing Nexar.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
1. What are gift card scams?
Gift card scams are fraud schemes where criminals trick people into buying gift cards and sharing the codes with them. Once the code is shared, the scammer quickly redeems the card, making the money almost impossible to recover. These scams are common because gift cards are easy to use and hard to trace.
2. How do gift card scams work?
Scammers usually contact victims by phone, email, SMS, or social media and pretend to be banks, government agencies, or trusted companies. They create urgency and demand payment using gift cards. Once you send the gift card code, they take the money instantly.
3. Why do scammers prefer gift cards?
Scammers prefer gift cards because they are fast, anonymous, and difficult to reverse. Unlike bank transfers or card payments, gift card codes can be used immediately without revealing the scammer’s identity.
4. What are the most common gift card scams in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, common scams include fake online sellers, WhatsApp fraud, social media giveaways, fake job offers, and people pretending to be crypto or gift card buyers. These scammers ask victims to send gift card codes before disappearing.
5. How can I tell if a gift card seller is fake?
A fake gift card seller usually offers prices that are too good to be true, refuses video calls, avoids secure platforms, and pressures you to act quickly. Legitimate sellers provide clear proof, verified reviews, and secure payment options.
6. Can I get my money back after a gift card scam?
In most cases, it is very difficult to get your money back after a gift card scam. Once the card code has been used, the funds are gone. That’s why it’s important to report the scam immediately and avoid sharing gift card codes with anyone.
7. How can I avoid gift card scams?
To avoid gift card scams, never share gift card codes with strangers, only buy or sell gift cards on trusted platforms, and always double-check the seller. If someone demands payment by gift card, it is almost always a scam.
8. Are online gift card exchanges safe?
Some online gift card platforms are safe, but many are not. Always use platforms with strong security, customer support, and real-time tracking. Trusted platforms protect users from fraud and card theft.
9. What should I do if I’ve been scammed?
If you have been scammed, report it to the gift card company immediately, contact your bank, and save all evidence such as messages and transaction details. The faster you act, the higher the chance of stopping further losses.
10. What is the safest way to sell gift cards in Nigeria?
The safest way to sell gift cards in Nigeria is by using a secure platform that offers wallet protection, real-time rates, fraud detection, and customer support. Avoid dealing with random buyers on social media or WhatsApp.