Bromley Trading Standards has advised that people are being targeted by gift card scams in the borough. Residents of Orpington and Bromley have been targeted by fraudsters impersonating trusted organisations or individuals, pressuring victims to buy gift cards and share the codes. Once the code is revealed, the funds are quickly spent or transferred, leaving the victim out of pocket.
How gift card scams work
Fraudsters may:
- Contact you via phone, email or social media, pretending to be from a well-known organisation or even a friend.
- Create urgency – claiming a medical emergency, a limited-time offer, or threatening consequences.
- Direct you to buy gift cards from local shops or online.
- Ask for the code or a photo of the card to access the funds.
Once a fraudster receives a gift card code, they will use the funds before the victim notices. Popular gift cards used in scams include Amazon, Google Play, Steam Wallet, and Apple iTunes. As gift cards are easily purchased, provide instant access to funds, and do not require a bank account, they’re difficult to trace.
Protect yourself and others:
- Only buy gift cards for people you know and trust.
- Avoid using gift cards to pay HMRC, secure a loan, or respond to job offers.
- Never share gift card codes with strangers – especially those met online or through unsolicited messages.
- Be sceptical of anyone asking for gift cards in exchange for prizes or donations.
Remember – gift cards are for gifts, not payments.
If you or someone you know has been targeted by a gift card scam:
- Stop communication with the scammer immediately.
- Contact the company whose gift card was purchased – they may be able to freeze the funds.
- Report to Action Fraud online or on 0300 123 2040.
- Contact Citizens Advice online or on 0808 223 1133.
- Contact your bank on 159.
For more information on gift card scams, please visit:
Text message scams
Bromley Trading Standards have also issued a warning about text message scams. These have increased recently and often mention DWP payments, missed parcels, job offers or recruitment opportunities.
Signs that a text message may be a scam:
- Sent from an unknown number or impersonates a well-known organisation
- Refers to current news or time-sensitive events (e.g. tax deadlines)
- Urges immediate action or threatens consequences
- Contains a suspicious link
How to protect yourself:
- Stop. Think Fraud! – Take your time and don’t be rushed into action
- Don’t click the link – Visit the official website or call a trusted number
- Don’t reply or call back – This confirms your number is active
- Forward the text to 7726 – This helps authorities track and stop scam messages
- Alternatively, take a screenshot and email it to: report@phishing.gov.uk
- Delete the text
To keep up with the latest scam alerts and warnings from Bromley Trading Standards sign up on www.bromley.gov.uk/TradingStandardsAlertSignUpForm.
Coney Hall Village Residents' Association (CHVRA) 