Gift card trading in Nigeria has grown rapidly over the past few years. Many people now prefer to exchange unused gift cards for cash. It gives them the freedom to spend the money however they want. While this has created great opportunities, it has also opened doors for fraudsters who prey on unsuspecting traders.
Scammers use several tricks to steal gift card details and vanish without paying a single Naira. In 2025, as gift card trading continues to expand, scam methods are also evolving.
That’s why it is important to stay alert and know the red flags. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common gift card scams you should watch out for this year, along with practical tips to protect yourself and trade safely.
Scams Related to Selling Gift Cards
1. WhatsApp Scammers with Fake Offers
Many scammers operate on WhatsApp by offering unrealistically high rates for your gift cards. They usually ask for the card details first and promise instant payment afterwards. Once you share the details, they vanish without a trace.
In some cases, they start small by buying one or two low-value cards to gain your trust, and once you feel comfortable, they disappear with your high-value card. Some even pretend to represent popular and trusted gift card trading apps to appear more credible, which makes it harder to spot the fraud.
2. Fake Escrow or Middleman Services
Fraudsters sometimes set up fake “escrow” services. They claim they’ll hold your gift card details until payment is released. They present themselves as neutral middlemen to build trust, but once they receive the gift card details, they disappear.
These scams are dangerous because they appear professional, with fake websites, social media accounts, and even fabricated reviews to trick sellers into believing they are legitimate.
3. Overpayment Trick
In this scam, buyers pretend to “accidentally” send you more money than the agreed price. They then ask you to return the difference. The catch is, the payment they sent is either fake, reversed, or made through a stolen account. By the time you send the refund, they vanish, leaving you with no payment and your gift card gone.
4. Fake Proof of Payment
Some scammers send screenshots of fake transactions as “proof” that they’ve paid. They often pressure you into sharing your gift card details immediately. The payment, of course, never arrives.
This scam is especially common on peer-to-peer trading platforms where people trust visual proof instead of waiting for funds to reflect in their accounts.
5. Impersonation of Legit Platforms
Scammers often copy logos, names, and even create fake social media pages of well-known gift card platforms. They might approach you, claiming to be customer support or official agents of a trusted app. Once you hand over your card details, they disappear. Since the impersonation looks real, many unsuspecting sellers fall into the trap, thinking they’re dealing with a genuine brand.
How to Avoid Gift Card Scams As a Seller?
1. Never Share Gift Card Codes Too Early
One of the most common tricks scammers use is asking for the card code or receipt before payment is made. Once they have the details, they can redeem the card instantly and disappear without sending you any money.
2. Verify the Buyer’s Identity
If you’re not using an official trading platform, always check who you’re dealing with. Fake social media profiles and WhatsApp contacts are often used to impersonate legitimate buyers. Make sure the person is verified, and if anything feels off, step away from the deal.
3. Use Trusted Platforms
The best way to avoid scams is to avoid peer-to-peer trading altogether. Instead, sell your gift cards through reliable platforms that guarantee secure payments. Apps like Cardgoal are designed to protect sellers from fraud. They offer safe transactions, fair rates, and instant payouts. This way, you don’t have to worry about dealing with strangers directly.
4. Beware of “Too Good to Be True” Offers
Scammers often lure sellers by offering extremely high rates compared to market prices. While the promise of extra cash is tempting, such offers are almost always fraudulent. Stick to competitive but realistic rates provided by legitimate platforms.
5. Keep Records of Your Trades
Always keep screenshots, chat histories, and payment receipts of every transaction. This helps in case of disputes and can protect you from future scams. Legitimate platforms usually provide transaction histories automatically, which adds another layer of safety.
6. Educate Yourself on Latest Scams
Fraudsters constantly come up with new methods to trick sellers. Staying updated on trending scams in 2025 will help you recognize red flags early and avoid falling victim to them.
Scams Related to Gift Card Buying
As risky as it is to sell gift cards online, buying gift cards online can also be risky if you’re not cautious. Scammers know many people are eager to get discounted cards or hard-to-find brands, so they use this opportunity to trick buyers. Here are some of the most common scams buyers face:
Fake Sellers Offering Unreal Discounts
Some scammers put up ads or social media posts claiming to sell Apple, Steam, or Amazon cards at half the normal price. The deals look too good to pass up, but once you send money, they disappear without delivering the card.
Tampered or Used Gift Cards
In some cases, fraudsters sell cards that have already been used or drained. You’ll pay for the card, but when you try to redeem it, you’ll find that the balance is zero.
Phishing Websites
There are fake websites that look very similar to legitimate gift card trading or e-commerce platforms. Unsuspecting buyers enter their payment details and card information, only to have both stolen.
Social Media Impersonators
Scammers create fake profiles pretending to represent well-known trading apps. They’ll claim to sell cards directly, but instead, they run off with your payment.
How to Avoid Gift Card Scams As a Buyer?
Only Buy from Trusted Platforms
Avoid random sellers on WhatsApp, Telegram, or Instagram. Instead, stick to verified platforms where transactions are secure and cards are guaranteed to be genuine.
Be Wary of Unreal Discounts
If the offer seems “too good to be true,” it usually is. Scammers use unbelievably low prices to lure buyers. Stick to fair market rates and avoid suspicious deals.
Verify Gift Card Balance Immediately
As soon as you receive a card, check the balance to confirm it’s valid. Don’t wait days or weeks, as scammers rely on delays to cover their tracks.
Avoid Direct Bank Transfers to Strangers
Always use secure payment methods offered by verified apps. Direct transfers to unknown individuals make it almost impossible to recover your money if something goes wrong.
Conclusion:
Gift card trading has become a quick and flexible way to turn unused cards into cash or buy the ones you need. But with its popularity comes the risk of scams that target both sellers and buyers. From WhatsApp tricksters to fake online platforms, scammers are always looking for new ways to exploit people. The good news is that you don’t have to fall victim. By staying alert, double-checking every deal, and using trusted platforms like Cardgoal, you can trade your gift cards with confidence.
