Gift Cards…what are they good for? #FraudFree2026

Good afternoon,

If someone asks you to send them gift cards, please do Stop! Think Fraud.  Gift cards can only be redeemed by the issuer – so for example, Apple gift cards can be used to buy Apple goods and services – they can’t be used to pay for healthcare, plane tickets, or utility bills etc.

Want to know more?  Our colleagues in West Yorkshire Police have kindly shared their useful information and advice about gift card fraud (attached).

If this alert isn't relevant to you, please share it with someone who might be interested.

If you’ve received a phishing email please report it to your email provider and/or forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk 

If you’ve received unwanted phone calls or texts from people you think are trying to scam you, but you haven’t engaged with them, please forward the text/phone number to 7726.

If you've been affected by a crime please contact Victim Care Hub for free, confidential support:  https://www.hampshireiowvictimcare.co.uk/  or phone 0808 178 1641

If you would like to report a crime anonymously please contact: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or phone 0800 555 111

Hampshire Alerts is not a crime reporting portal – please do not report crime here.

If you realise you’ve been scammed and wish to report a fraud that has already happened, please report it to Action Fraud either phone 0300 123 2040 or online at: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

If a crime is in progress, and/or you are in fear for yourself or someone else, and/or there is evidence in situ that could be damaged/destroyed, please phone 999 immediately. 

Otherwise, report online, or find out about other ways to report a crime at: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/

Thank you – Fraud Safeguarding Team