Most gift card scams don't target buyers browsing marketplaces — they target people directly, pressuring them to buy a card and hand over the code as untraceable payment. That's a different problem from choosing a legitimate seller, and this guide covers both.

The scam that has nothing to do with where you buy

No legitimate business, government agency, or utility company will ever ask you to pay a bill or fine with a gift card. If someone asks you to buy a card and read them the code, that's a scam every time.

What to check before buying from a marketplace seller

  • Buyer protection or a replacement policy stated up front — Kinguin and Eneba both publish one.
  • External reviews or a track record outside the seller's own listing.
  • Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees added at checkout.
Someone completing an online payment on a laptop

Red flags that should make you stop

  • Prices dramatically below every other seller for the same exact card — a common lure for stolen or already-used codes.
  • Being asked to pay first with no way to follow up if something's wrong.
  • No verifiable reviews or seller history.
Checking an account through online banking on a phone