Gift Card Scam Bleeds Millions

⏱ 3 min read

A shadowy network of overseas criminals drained millions from Americans over two years, using stolen funds to buy high-end electronics shipped out of the country. The scam, active from October 1, 2023, to September 1, 2025, preyed on vulnerable people through classic cons – elder fraud, romance scams, and outright hacking – and funneled the money through Apple gift cards. Now, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Hampshire are scrambling to piece together the damage and find the victims.

Investigators are zeroing in on Apple gift cards specifically. If someone stole your funds directly, you paid a scammer with an Apple gift card, or your card was used without your permission, HSI wants to know. Your location doesn’t matter. They’re building a national database of compromised gift card numbers to identify potential claimants and attempt to get some money back.

Victims can submit their Apple gift card numbers through an online questionnaire here. HSI agents will cross-reference those numbers with confirmed fraudulent purchases and reach out to potential victims with requests for proof of purchase. The deadline to submit information is May 15, 2026. Expect a response within 30 days after that date if you’ve been identified as a victim.

HSI is handling victim inquiries directly. Contact them at HSINewEnglandVictimAssistance@ice.dhs.gov. You can also find information on gift card fraud prevention on the ICE website, but don’t expect a warm welcome – this is a serious investigation, not a customer service line.