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Avoiding and Reporting Gift Card Scams

How Gift Card Scams Work

Gift card scams start with a call, text, email, or social media message. Scammers will say almost anything to get you to buy gift cards — like Google Play, Apple, or Amazon cards — and hand over the card number and PIN codes. Here are some common tactics scammers use in gift card scams:

1. Scammers will say it’s urgent. They will say to pay them right away or something terrible will happen. They don’t want you to have time to think about what they’re saying or talk to someone you trust. Slow down. Don’t pay. It’s a scam.
2. Scammers will tell you which gift card to buy (and where). They might say to put money on an eBay, Google Play, Target, or Apple gift card. They might send you to a specific store — often Walmart, Target, CVS, or Walgreens. Sometimes they’ll tell you to buy cards at several stores, so cashiers won’t get suspicious. The scammer also might stay on the phone with you while you go to the store and load money onto the card. If this happens to you, hang up. It’s a scam.
3. Scammers will ask you for the gift card number and PIN. The card number and PIN on the back of the card let the scammer get the money you loaded onto the card — even if you still have the card itself. Slow down. Don’t give them those numbers or send them a photo of the card. It’s a scam.

Credit Card Specials!

Get 8.99% APR* and 10.99% APR* FOR BALANCE TRANSFERS!

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate

Field of Membership Information

On April 1, 2008, we opened our membership up to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in the Town of Cheektowaga. This allows us to offer our vast array of services to a wider group of people.

On October 1, 2009, our name changed from the Cheektowaga Central FCU to the Cheektowaga Community FCU.

On January 18, 2023, we opened our membership up to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in the following towns: Hamburg, Blasdell, Orchard Park, West Seneca, Depew, Lancaster, Sloan.

On January 1, 2024, our name changed to Circuit Federal Credit Union.

Note:  In accordance with Circuit FCU bylaws, in order to vote at the annual membership meeting, you must be a member of the credit union in good standing with a minimum share of $25 in your account and be at least 16 years old.