SAN ANTONIO – Schemers are finding new ways to steal money from unsuspecting victims, the Better Business Bureau reported.
The Better Business Bureau said schemers are posing as the IRS or even loved ones and asking for iTunes gift cards as payment.
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The agency began to notice a trend through its scam tracker system. So far, the BBB reported, there have been 137 nationwide cases of scammers asking for iTunes gift cards. In Texas, 11 cases have been reported.
The BBB said schemers usually contact people through phone calls, text messages or via email.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, once a person gives a schemer the number on the back of the iTunes gift card, the criminals have access to the amount on the card and can then use the code or sell it. Once the money on the gift card is redeemed, the money is gone for good.
The Better Business Bureau has the following tips for people to avoid getting schemed:
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Never pay with an iTunes gift card, unless actually shopping at the iTunes store.
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Never wire money to a caller. Government agencies will never require wire transfers as a method of payment.
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Call Apple support to disable the card if the information is given to schemers.
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Report any schemes to the FTC or to the BBB Scam Tracker .
As a reminder, government agencies, financial institutions and retailers will never ask people for iTunes gift cards as a form of currency, with the exception of iTunes.
Also, the IRS will never call a person and ask them for payment over the phone. Anyone with questions for the IRS can contact them directly by calling 1-800-829-1040.