Checking Your Gift Card Balance Online? Watch Out for This Scam

Gift cards are a popular present for birthdays and holidays, whether it's for Amazon, Target, a gaming platform, or a favorite store. If you want to check how much money is left on a gift card, you might search online for the retailer's balance checker, open one of the results, and enter the card number and PIN.

But some websites offering to check your gift card balance could be set up by scammers to collect your card details and steal the money.

Here's how the scam works and how to check your gift card balance safely.

Key Takeaways

• Scammers create fake gift card balance-checking websites to steal card numbers, PINs, and the money stored on gift cards.
• These websites may copy the branding of popular retailers and appear in search results or paid advertisements.
• To check your gift card balance safely, use the retailer's official website, app, or customer service number.
• If you've entered your gift card details on a suspicious website, contact the card issuer immediately and report the scam.
• You can use Bitdefender's free Link Checker or Scamio to help identify suspicious websites before sharing your information.

How Do Fake Gift Card Balance Check Scams Work?

Scammers create fake gift card balance-checking websites that copy the logos, branding, and design of popular retailers. To attract visitors, scammers use paid search ads or other methods to get their fake websites into search results.

Once you're on the fake website, you're asked to enter your gift card number and PIN or access code, just as you would on a legitimate balance-checking page.

But instead of showing your balance, the website collects your card details. Scammers can then use them to make purchases or spend the money on your card, sometimes before you even realize what happened.

Some fake websites also redirect you to the retailer's real website after collecting your information, so you may not immediately suspect anything is wrong.

In February 2025, AARP warned consumers that fake gift card balance-checking websites can appear near the top of search results, where people might mistake them for legitimate services.

In July 2026, a parent reported to the Better Business Bureau that they had tried to check the balance of a $30 gift card their son received for his birthday. According to the report, the website displayed a fake balance and redirected them to another site. By the following day, the gift card's balance had reportedly been drained.

How to Spot a Fake Gift Card Balance Checker

Fake websites can look convincing, but there are a few things worth checking before entering your card details.

• The website address doesn't match the retailer. A page may display a familiar logo but use a completely unrelated domain name. Check the address, not just the appearance of the website.
• You reached the page through a search advertisement. Scammers can pay to promote fraudulent websites. A sponsored result isn't necessarily dangerous, but being at the top of Google doesn't make a website trustworthy.
• The website has an unusual name or spelling. Extra words, misspellings, or strange combinations of letters in the domain can be warning signs.
• The page redirects you unexpectedly. If you enter your information and suddenly end up on another website, your details may already have been collected.
• The website asks for information it shouldn't need. Be cautious if a balance checker requests passwords, banking information, or other personal details unrelated to checking the card.

Remember that a padlock symbol or an HTTPS address doesn't guarantee that a website is legitimate. Scam websites can use encrypted connections, too.

How to Check Your Gift Card Balance Safely

The safest option is to use the instructions provided by the company that issued the card.

1. Check the back of your gift card.

Many physical gift cards have an official website address or customer service number printed on the back. Use these details rather than searching for a balance checker.

2. Go directly to the retailer's website.

If you don't have the original packaging or instructions, visit the retailer's official website and look for its gift card section. You can usually find information about checking balances under Gift Cards, Help, or Customer Service.

3. Use the retailer's official app, if available.

Some retailers let customers check gift card balances or add cards to their accounts through their apps. Make sure you're using the genuine app.

4. Help younger family members check their cards.

Children and teenagers may receive gift cards for games, apps, or online shopping. Show them where to find the official balance-checking page and explain why they shouldn't enter gift card codes into unfamiliar websites.

What to Do if You Entered Your Gift Card Details on a Fake Website

If you think you've used a fraudulent balance-checking website, act quickly.

1. Contact the gift card issuer. Explain what happened and ask whether the remaining balance can be protected or the card replaced.
2. Check the balance and transaction history. Use the retailer's official website or customer service number to find out whether the money has already been spent.
3. Keep the card and purchase receipt. These may help the issuer investigate what happened.
4. Report the scam. In the US, you can report gift card fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and submit a report to the BBB Scam Tracker.

If you're outside the US, see our guide on where to report a scam in your country:  Where to report a scam and what to do next in your country.

5. Secure any other information you shared. If you also entered an account password, change it immediately. If you provided payment card information, contact your bank.

The FTC advises consumers who have shared gift card numbers with scammers to contact the issuer and ask about recovering their money. Refunds aren't guaranteed, but reporting the incident is still worthwhile.

Check the Website Before Entering Your Gift Card Details

Before checking your gift card balance online, make sure you're on the retailer's official website. Use the address printed on the card rather than clicking on a random search result.

If a gift card balance-checking website looks suspicious, you can check its URL with Bitdefender's free Link Checker  before entering any information.

You can also ask Scamio, Bitdefender's free AI-powered scam detector, to help you identify suspicious websites, links, or messages.

And if your children receive gift cards for games or online shopping, remind them to check with you before entering their card details on an unfamiliar website.

You may also want to read:

• Last-Minute Holiday Gifts? Here’s How to Gift Safely (and Avoid Seasonal Scams)
• Gift card scams you need to be aware of this holiday season
• Have you fallen victim to a gift card scam? Some businesses can help you get your money back

FAQs

Can someone steal money from a gift card using its number and PIN?

Yes. If scammers get your gift card number and PIN or access code, they may be able to use the card online or redeem its value without having the physical card.

How can I check my gift card balance safely?

Use the official website or customer service phone number printed on the back of your gift card. You can also visit the retailer's website directly and look for its gift card balance-checking page.

What should I do if I entered my gift card details on a fake website?

Contact the gift card issuer immediately and explain what happened. Ask whether the remaining balance can be protected or the card replaced. Keep your receipt and report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Can fake gift card balance websites appear in Google search results?

Yes. Scammers can use paid search advertisements or search engine optimization techniques to make fraudulent websites appear in search results. Being at the top of Google doesn't mean a website is legitimate.