lost by consumers. then gift cards from google play, apple, ebay and walmart. >> gift cards are for gifts, not for payments if someone approaches a consumer saying that they need to make payment using a gift card, it is a scam. >> reporter: in idaho, julia hilary got an email saying there was a fraudulent charge on her amazon account and providing a number to call back when she did, the scammer said go to the store and buy a $500 gift card to fix the problem. thankfully the local store cler recognized the scam, refused to sell her the card. >> i think she noticed that i was on the phone, had the phone up to my ear i think she noticed i was probably looking panicked she knew the signs and she caught on right away >> reporter: red flags say fraud experts, unsolicited calls or emails saying you owe money. if anyone tells you to buy gift cards and read back numbers, it is a scam. social security and the irs will never