Scam warning: iTunes cards no way to pay
DO NOT accept payment in iTunes cards
SA Police are reminding the community that government agencies do NOT seek payments – even when ‘urgent’ - in iTunes cards after reports of scammers cold calling people state-wide.
The gift cards are valuable to pay for Apple products, but are not a legitimate way to make payments over the phone for things such as taxes, debts, computer servicing or utility bills.
Regardless of the reason for payment, the scammers generally operate the same way – calling a potential victim and making demands for payments while instilling a sense of panic or urgency.
The potential victim is asked to buy iTunes Gift Cards from the nearest retailer, then to provide the scammer the 16-digit code on the back of the card.
As noted by Apple (https://support.apple.com/itunes-gift-card-scams): ”It's important to know that iTunes Gift Cards can be used ONLY to purchase goods and services on the iTunes Store, App Store, iBooks Store, or for an Apple Music membership.”
Unfortunately people being scammed in this way are often elderly or vulnerable in some way, making it important that we share this information which anyone who could be a target.
For more information about current scams, please visit ScamWatch.