Gift card scams in Nigeria are on the rise nowadays. Have you ever tried to sell a gift card, only to realize the buyer disappeared after receiving the code? You’re not alone. Many people fall victim to these scams every day.

Let’s uncover the most common gift card scams in Nigeria, how to spot them, and proven strategies to avoid getting scammed.

Gift Card Scams in Nigeria

Gift card scams involve fraudulent activities where scammers trick individuals into giving away their gift card details in exchange for fake payments or false promises. Since gift cards are difficult to trace, they have become a favorite tool for scammers in Nigeria.

Common Types of Gift Card Scams in Nigeria

1. Fake Buyers Who Disappear After Receiving the Code

Scammers pretend to be legit buyers, negotiate a deal, and after receiving the gift card code, they block the seller and disappear without payment.

2. Phishing Websites Posing as Legit Platforms

Fraudulent websites mimic popular gift card exchange platforms. They promise high exchange rates but steal your gift card details and disappear.

3. Overpayment Scams and Chargeback Fraud

Some scammers claim they overpaid for a gift card and request a partial refund. Once the seller refunds them, they initiate a chargeback, leaving the seller with no money and no gift card.

4. Fake Escrow Services

Scammers claim to use a secure escrow service but actually control it. Once the gift card is sent, they disappear with both the card and the payment.

5. Fake Customer Support Scams

Fraudsters pretend to be customer service representatives for legitimate platforms, asking for your gift card details under the pretense of verifying your transaction.

How to Identify Legitimate Gift Card Buyers in Nigeria

To avoid getting scammed, always verify buyers before trading. Here’s how:

• Check Reviews & Reputation – Always trade with buyers who have positive reviews and a strong reputation in the market like Flashchange.
• Use Secure Payment Methods – Avoid transactions through unsecured platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram. If you’re looking for a secure way to move funds between accounts, check out How to Transfer Money from Chime to Cash App for a simple step-by-step guide.
• Request Proof of Past Transactions – A genuine buyer should have a history of successful trades.
• Never Send Gift Card Details To Strangers Before Receiving Payment – Scammers often insist on getting the code first. Always demand upfront payment or use a trusted escrow service.

Proven Ways to Avoid Gift Card Fraud in Nigeria

• Use Trusted Gift Card Exchange Platforms – Stick to reputable sites with good user feedback like Flashchange
• Double-Check Payment Before Releasing the Code – Ensure that the payment is confirmed in your account, not just a fake alert.
• Never Share Gift Card Details Publicly – Posting your card details on forums or social media increases the risk of fraud.
• Beware of “Too Good to Be True” Offers – If an offer sounds unrealistic, it’s likely a scam.
• Educate Yourself on New Scam Tactics in the gift card market to avoid falling prey

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’ve fallen victim to a gift card scam, take these steps immediately:

1. Report to Authorities – Contact the Nigerian Police Cybercrime Unit or EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission).
2. Report to the Platform Used – If you were scammed on a social media platform or website, report the fraud.
3. Warn Others – Share your experience on forums and social media to prevent others from falling for the same scam.
4. Contact the Gift Card Provider – Some companies may help track fraudulent transactions, although refunds are rare.

If you’re having trouble redeeming your vanilla gift card, check tis guide on How to Fix YourVanilla Gift Card Not Working

Safe Platforms to Sell Gift Cards in Nigeria

To minimize fraud risk, only sell your gift cards on trusted platforms. Flashchange is one of the best-rated platforms you can use:

Flashchange (Why Choose Flashchange)

Flashchange is one of Nigeria’s most trusted platforms for converting gift cards to cash seamlessly. It offers instant payments, competitive rates, and a secure transaction process to ensure users do not fall victim to scams. With a user-friendly interface and 24/7 customer support, Flashchange provides a reliable and safe way to trade gift cards in Nigeria.

If you’re looking for ways to use your Apple gift card efficiently, here’s a guide on How to Add a Gift Card to Apple Wallet to make transactions easier.

FAQs About Gift Card Scams in Nigeria

How do I know if a gift card buyer is legit?

Always check for reviews, use secure payment methods, and avoid buyers who refuse to verify their identity.

Can I recover my money after a gift card scam?

Recovery is difficult, but reporting the scam to authorities and the platform used may help prevent further fraud.

What is the safest way to sell gift cards in Nigeria?

The safest way is to use reputable platforms with escrow protection and strong security measures like flashchange