Apple and Steam gift card scams are on the increase, devastating victims in Forres

The victim of an online scam is warning to beware of new “friends” met on the internet after hearing about so many other lonely folk also being ripped off.

The pensioner from Forres is one of many individuals reportedly conned into donating gift cards by scammers using convincing methods to persuade them that they are providing vital care for people they have apparently genuine relationships with.

The woman, who would prefer to remain anonymous, said: “Never give anyone you’ve never met money - no matter the excuse they give you for asking - just block them straight away and save yourself heartache later on.

“Don’t give them any personal information, account detail or anything else.”

Earlier this year, she responded to a post on a dating app on her mobile phone, not realising she was about to be inundated with “friendship” requests from con men.

“Initial contact is quite innocent,” she explained. “The post is usually along the lines of ‘Lonely single guy looking for friends.’ Conversation starts as it would when you meet someone new.”

The text messages increased, asking about her activities, providing her with more endearment and heightened emotion.

Requests for money started after a few weeks - the contacts would claim their businesses were in trouble or family members were sick and needed medication “just this once.”

They add that the funds have to be transferred via Apple or Steam cards, PayPal or Western Union exchanges.

“Once one goes through, after a few days, you get another for a different reason,” said the woman. “There’s more pleading, often with pictures of business or family, with promises to pay it back each time.

“If you’ve never come across this before, you don’t know what to look out for.”

The contacts insist that payments are made to a middleman - or woman -, claiming that only their friends or family can access them.

“The amount I spent ran into the thousands,” she said. “Your life revolves around the payments or getting the money from the bank/post office, and you go without food to pay for it all.”

Realisation hit her when the contacts escalated to 35-a-day.

“They were insisting on payment until I didn’t know what to do with myself,” she said.

At her wits’ end, the grandmother ended up having a complete emotional breakdown and reported what had happened to the police, who advised her to get new bank cards and a new telephone number.

Thankfully, she could provide the payment receipts and handed her cards over.

Unfortunately, some of the money that she borrowed from her family and friends could not be recovered.

“Afterwards, I felt disgusted,” she said. “You hate yourself for being so weak and gullible.”

Forres Tesco customer service manager, Mike Walker, raised the issue of gift card scams at Forres Community Council, having witnessed numerous customers buying them for their overseas interests.

He explained: “The scam involves people who, through forms of catfishing, think that they are in a relationship with someone who is usually young, glamorous, and abroad.

“At some point, the new contacts have a financial crisis and need help with medical, travel or other costs. The person at our end buys gift cards - usually several hundred pounds worth - and sends the numbers to their ‘Russian princess’ or whoever.”

Mike has spoken to many customers about the scam and, on occasion, refused sales for their own sake.

Police Scotland provides information about fraud here: https://orlo.uk/gVVdq

Moray Council Trading Standards is also aware of such scams.

A spokesperson said: ” No legitimate organisation will ever ask for payment in gift cards. Keep up-to-date with the latest scams and report them at http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_1552.html.”

Finally, Moray MSP Richard Lochhead is also concerned about the rising number of people being scammed here.

He said: “Gift card scams have been a growing problem in recent years. Scammers find new ways to exploit people, and it is important everyone is vigilant.

“Any request for money or unexpected contact about your finances is a red flag, and people should never respond to requests for cash. I’d urge all constituents to act with caution and to report any suspicious behaviour to the authorities.”