Watch Out For Gift Card Scams

Nawash Police Services are advising members to be aware of a number of gift card scams targeting the unaware.

In these sorts of scams, the victim is often contacted by someone claiming to be with a government agency, or a lawyer, and threatens the victim with heavy penalties or legal trouble if fake outstanding debts aren’t paid.  In other versions, the scammer is someone the victim met online and trusts, who then claims to urgently need money. In yet another version, the scammer claims to be working with the company selling the gift cards, as a secret shopper reviewing the business.

In every version of the gift card scam, victims are told to purchase gift cards and give the unique codes on the backs of the cards to the scammers, either by typing them in, or sending pictures. The scammers can then redeem the gift cards online, just using the unique codes from the backs of the gift cards. Scammers will use the value to immediately purchase expensive items for themselves, which they resell for real money.

Legitimate companies and agencies will NEVER ask for or accept gift cards as payment.  NEVER purchase a gift card for anyone that you do not know personally.

If you are contacted by any stranger demanding or asking that you purchase a gift card, take down the person’s details, including the phone number they are calling from, and report the incident to the police.

The Better Business Bureau has issued a detailed report on gift card scams that you can read here.

Last Day for In-Person Pick-up of Grocery Gift Cards

This is a reminder to Neyaashiinigmiing residents that today, Wednesday, July 8, is the final day of in-person pick-up of grocery gift cards, from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM, at the Band Office.

To Pick Up In person:

  • Only ONE member per household is eligible for the grocery gift card.
  • Bring proof of address on the day of pickup. To apply, you must complete the application form and show your proof of address. Acceptable proofs include government-issued ID showing your address, utility bills, or government correspondence addressed to your primary residence. Valid applications will be immediately approved.
  • Gift cards can be picked up at the Band Office, 135 Lakeshore Boulevard between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
  • If you are picking up a gift card on behalf of another Nawash member, you must bring a signed note authorizing the pick-up, along with the member’s completed application form and proof of address. There will be no exceptions to this rule.

Find more information and an online application on the program page.

Convenient Online Application Added for Grocery Gift Card

The Council wants to make it as easy as possible for our member households in Canada to apply for the grocery gift card benefit. In addition to in-person application scheduled in the coming weeks, as well as regular mail, email and toll-free number, we’ve added a simple online application that members can complete with just a smartphone.

Visit the information page to learn more about the benefit and pick the application method that suits you best.