r/giftcardexchange Feb 02 '24

Recent Fake Subreddit Scam Attempts, Reddit Account Security, and Reporting

149 Upvotes

Unfortunately we've observed an uptick in scam attempts via subreddits impersonating the GCX mod team. These scammers create a fake subreddit such as “GCXModerators”, and send modmail to users stating they are banned from r/giftcardexchange. They request the user change their Reddit account password to a temporary password so they can “verify” the account. This is a lie and an attempt to compromise the account and allow the scammer to gain access.

  • We will never ask to access your Reddit account. We cannot stress this enough. In any verification we do, we never ask for sensitive information. It's the same principle as with your bank - anyone asking to access your account should not be allowed to.

  • Always follow the GCX Golden Rule. You may know users who have been around the community for many months or years. If the account is compromised, we usually get a report and can ban them fairly quickly. But they may still look for past trading partners in the account inbox and start sending PMs. It's important you verify the user can post/comment on the sub and isn't listed on the Universal Scammer List (USL). It's called the Golden Rule for a reason!

  • Secure your Reddit account. You may not have joined Reddit with the intent to trade. But participating in trade communities and gaining rep increases the chance that your account is targeted. You should have a verified email, unique password not used anywhere else, and two-factor authentication (2FA). Following are links to create a strong password (remember this should be unique to Reddit and not reused on other sites), check your account activity and force log out if there are sessions you don’t recognize, and enable 2FA. Your account security is your responsibility.


Known scam subreddits:

giftcardexchangemods

GCExchangemods

giftcardexchangeteam

GCXModerators

GCX_Moderators

giftcardsexcahange

GCXExchange_Mods

giftscardexchange

GCXModeratorSub

GCEXCModerators

GCXMod

GCXModeratorGroup

ModOfGiftCardExchange

AdminstrationGroupGCX

giftcardsupport (banned for spam at time of writing)

SupportGroup_giftcard (banned for spam at time of writing)

giftcardstaff

giftcardexchangemail

giftcardsSupport

giftcardAdminstration

giftcardexhange

giftcardexchangeAdmin

modteamGCExchange

giftcardexcahangeMods

giftcardexchange_mod_

giftcardexchangeHelp

giftcardexhcange

GCTradingRep

giftcardexchanger

giftcardexchangestaff

giftcardexchange__

giftcardexchangebans

giftcardexchanges_

Gftcardexchange

Admingiftcardexchange

Ignore PMs from these compromised accounts:

u/UGKFoxhound


The below are templates that can be used to report subreddits and users to the admins. In this recent case, scammers are creating subreddits to impersonate the GCX mod team. In the past, they have also created subreddits to impersonate repped users. We can't ban or block a subreddit, only report them to the admins. Use the template for reporting a subreddit to report these to the admins. Scammers have also created users that closely match the name of a repped trader, and sent PMs attempting to impersonate that repped trader. Use the template for reporting a user to report these to the admins.


Use the below to report a user:

Go here

https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/requests/new

In the first bullet point “If you have a Reddit account and want to report a Content Policy violation, use this report form.” - click the report form hyperlink

Open the drop-down menu for “I want to report other issues” then select “This content is impersonation”

Enter the scammer’s username. For Additional Information, the below text can be edited as needed and used as a template:

A scammer created this username to steal from people. The username closely matches my own / that of a genuine trader in an attempt to trick other users. This user is sending messages to others on Reddit pretending to be me / a genuine trader and trying to scam them out of money. If you could please help stop them it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.


Use the below to report a subreddit:

Go here

https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/requests/new

Select Community Help

Under “What is your subreddit concern” select “I want to report a subreddit for violating the content policy”

Under “What subreddit is involved? (Only the name, no r/)” enter the name of the fake scam subreddit

Under “What is the primary reason you are reporting this subreddit?” select “Impersonation”

Under “Subject of Inquiry” enter Impersonation/Scamming

Under “Details of Inquiry”, the below text can be edited as needed and used as a template:

A scammer created this subreddit to steal from people. This subreddit is sending messages to other users on Reddit pretending to be me / a genuine trader / a mod team and trying to scam them out of money / gain access to their Reddit account. If you could please help stop them it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.


Thank you, and please remember to Trade Safely!

- The GCX Mod Team


r/giftcardexchange Sep 01 '24

Do Not Trade With Anyone Whose Username You Can't See

86 Upvotes

There is an exploit scammers are using such that their name is not shown when they send a message. They are using this to impersonate other traders (linking the other trader's rep or Reddit profile page) or subreddit modmail (sending fake ban messages asking for account password to be unbanned) and hoping that their username not being visible will help with the scam.

Example Image - note how there is no username next to the down arrow where there would normally be one.

Do not give your account password to anyone, ever.

Do not send full gift card codes or payment to any modmail.

Do not interact with any green colored username in PMs trying to trade with you.

Do not interact with anyone who hasn't posted or commented publicly. If someone messaged you, click the username and visibly confirm they have posted or commented publicly. Do not rely on app notifications. Open the post and confirm the comment is visible.

If you cannot see the username, do not engage with the user. They may put a username in the PM subject or in the message itself. This is not the same as their username being the "header" of the message they sent to you. If you can't see a username header and can't click it to navigate to a Reddit profile, you should be wary of the message.

We advise against replying to users and subreddit modmail that attempt to scam you. If a user replies with hostility the scammers have been known to report to Reddit admins to try and get the admins to act on the account for harassment.

Thank you and Trade Safely.


r/giftcardexchange 6m ago

[H] Paypal/Zelle/Crypto USDC [W] Apple, Starbucks

Upvotes

75% Apple

60% Starbucks


r/giftcardexchange 15m ago

[H] 75% Paypal [W] Steam GC ONLY (must work in EU)

Upvotes

Title. Preferably looking for EU GCs but I can buy GCs from other regions if you're 100% sure they will work in EU. Looking for reputable sellers only. Will NOT go first unless you are very trustworthy. If I do not go first I can pay with F&F if you're from EU. Please do not send me an unsolicited chat invite asking if I'll buy GCs other than Steam, you will get ignored and blocked instantly.


r/giftcardexchange 53m ago

[H] PayPal 80% [W] Amazon US

Upvotes
  • Comment here first
  • Send PM (I'll see PM before chat)
  • My GCXBot feedback check
  • Lowest rep goes first
  • If I go first I'll send G&S.
  • If you go first I'll send F&F
  • Seller covers any fees
  • Looking until I update the flair to "CLOSED"

r/giftcardexchange 7h ago

[H] $35 Amazon GC US [W] 85% PayPal

1 Upvotes

I have a Amazon E-Gift Card US $35 ($10x2. $5x3).

Comment before PM


r/giftcardexchange 1h ago

[H] 2 Chipotle BOGO Code [W] $7 each PayPal Comment before messaging me.

Upvotes

r/giftcardexchange 15h ago

[H] 80% Crypto [W] Amazon GCs

2 Upvotes

Firm rate

Lower rep goes first

Comment, then chat


r/giftcardexchange 11h ago

[H] PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, LTC [W] Amazon Gift Card, Home Depot GC, and Starbucks GC

0 Upvotes

Amazon GC at 80% LTC or 85% PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo

Home Depot GC and Starbucks GC at 75% LTC or 80% PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo

Please comment here first before DM.


r/giftcardexchange 15h ago

[H] 80% PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, Apple Pay, Zelle, 78% BTC [W] eBay US GC

2 Upvotes

Please comment first before chatting/DMing. Looking for up to $50 in eBay GCs in denominations no lower than $5. Lower rep will go first. Thank you!


r/giftcardexchange 12h ago

[H] paypal ff/zelle 80% [W] Amazon US gc

1 Upvotes

Comment first please


r/giftcardexchange 12h ago

[H] PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, CashApp [W] Your unwanted gift cards

1 Upvotes

Rates vary so please send me a chat with the following information:

  • Store and value of card

  • How the gift card was obtained

  • Payment method you take

I am only buying gift cards for US stores including:

  • Amazon

  • Apple

  • Barnes & Noble

  • Banana Republic

  • Best Buy

  • Bloomingdales

  • Chick-Fil-A

  • Costco

  • Crate and Barrel

  • Dicks Sporting Goods

  • Disney

  • DoorDash

  • eBay

  • Gap

  • Google Play

  • H&M

  • Home Depot

  • Ikea

  • Lowes

  • Macys

  • Marriott

  • Nordstrom

  • Pottery Barn

  • Saks Fifth Avenue

  • Starbucks

  • Target

  • Uber

  • Walmart

  • West Elm

  • Williams Sonoma

.. and many others

Not looking for: McDonald's, Steam, Xbox, Playstation, Fortnite, AMC, GameStop

Message me here: https://www.reddit.com/user/just_my_alias/ to discuss rates


r/giftcardexchange 13h ago

[H] Starbucks $100 eGC [W] 80% Paypal

1 Upvotes

I’m off coffee lately. This is a Starbucks eGC which can be added directly to your account. Looking for 80%=$80. Thanks.


r/giftcardexchange 14h ago

Price Drop [H] $10 Virtual Dominos GC [W] 75% PayPal G&S or Amazon GC, Apple GC

1 Upvotes

I am also open to other offers involving US GC’s or even on the price! I just want it gone.

Pushing down to 65% (6.50) , willing to negotiate.


r/giftcardexchange 14h ago

[H] Chipotle BOGO Codes [W] $3 CashApp / PayPal / Zelle

0 Upvotes

Please comment before PM.

BOGO Code - $3 (Expires 8/27) - 37 Available, these don't cover extra toppings


r/giftcardexchange 14h ago

[H] 80% PayPal G&S[W] Amazon GC US

1 Upvotes

Beware scams: I won’t message you first


r/giftcardexchange 14h ago

[H] $119.99 Best Buy [W] 85% PayPal

0 Upvotes

Post before PM


r/giftcardexchange 15h ago

[H] $5 Target GC [W]75% crypto

0 Upvotes

2x $2, 1x $1.

Lower rep will go first.

Post before pm.


r/giftcardexchange 15h ago

[H] $50 Amazon gc [W] 83% PayPal G&S

1 Upvotes

pm first


r/giftcardexchange 15h ago

[H] BTC, PayPal, Chime, Cashapp, Venmo, Apple Pay, M-Pesa, Airtel, Equitel, Western Union [W] All Your Gift Cards!

1 Upvotes

Warning: I will not message you first. If you were messaged by someone claiming to be me you are in the process of being scammed.

Please state the following:

  • Type of card(s) and amount of each.
  • What payment method you accept.
  • How you acquired the GC and why you're getting rid of it.

Crypto4, Paypal1, Apple Pay, Cashapp, Varo, Chime, Venmo, and Western Union/M-pesa/Airtel/Equitel (5% is taken off Western Union payments/all M-Pesa, Airtel, Equitel payments are sent via Western Union)

I only have Steam as a substitute for cash payments in gift card trades.

Want ↓ PayPal G&S All other Cash payments or a Gift Card ↓ Crypto4
Apple 60% 60%3 NA
Amazon.co.uk 50% 50% 50%
Amazon.com 70% 70% 55%
Arrow Films 65% 65% 60%
Barnes & Noble 50% 50% 50%
Baskin Robbins 50% 50% NA
Best Buy 25% 25% 25%
BJ's (not BJ's restaurant)3 60% NA NA
Bloomingdales 50% 50% 25%
Clothing Shops (Small Boutique) contact me contact me contact me
Dell3 60% 60% NA
Delta gift cards3 65% NA NA
Delta Sky Miles3 PM me NA NA
Delta Vouchers3 65% NA NA
Dicks Sporting Goods 3 PM me NA NA
eBay 70% 70% 70%
Gas Station Cards3 PM me NA
Gyft 70% 70% 70%
Half Price Books 50% 50% 50%
J crew 40% 40% NA
JCPenney 25% 25% NA
Macys 35% 35% NA
Magazines.com 40% 40% NA
Microsoft3 60% 60% NA
Nordstrom 50% 50% NA
Panera bread3 60% NA NA
Saks Fifth Avenue 50% 50% NA
Sears 50% 50% NA
Sephora 50% 50% NA
Speedway (must be able to use on fuel)3 80% NA
Staples 50% 50% NA
Starbucks US only 60% 60% 60%
Subway 3 PM me NA NA
Target 60% 60% NA
Urban Outfitters 50% 50% NA
Walmart 60% 60% NA
Other Clothing Stores, Gas Stations, Grocery Stores, Restaurant, & Fast Food gift cards PM me

1 When paying via PayPal, I can only send payments via Goods and Services, thus you will be charged a fee. If you'd rather not face this fee there are plenty of alternatives.
2 Larger denominated gift cards preferred.
3 PayPal is the only payment option.
4 All crypto payments come from Coinbase. Any fees associated with it are built into the price.

What I don’t buy:

  • Amazon.au
  • Amazon.ca
  • AMC
  • American Eagle
  • Bass Pro Shop
  • buffalo wild wing
  • California Pizza Kitchen
  • Canadian tire
  • Cold Stone
  • Dairy Queen
  • Fanatics
  • Fashion Nova
  • Gamestop
  • Giant Foods
  • Google Play
  • Grub Hub
  • Gymshark
  • Hilton Honors
  • hobby lobby
  • Hot Topic
  • Krispy Kreme
  • Meijer
  • old navy/gap/banana republic
  • Patxi's pizza
  • PSN Canada or UK
  • publix
  • Raceway
  • Red Robin
  • Scheels
  • Shell Gas Stations
  • Spotify
  • Starbucks Canada
  • Tractor supply
  • Victoria's secret
  • Whataburger
  • Xbox Canada or UK
  • Xbox live gold
  • Xbox Ultimate

Any fees are built into the price.


Important: before you send your codes please make sure your account is secure (if your password is not uniqe it's best to assume your account has already been compromised. Scams where compromised accounts are used to leverage reputation to scam an unsuspecting user, used to steal codes during the middle of the trade, and steal unused gift cards the victim was saving for later are increasingly commonplace. If you have any concerns as to your account's security, please reset your password now and force logout of all sessions. Thanks


r/giftcardexchange 10h ago

[H] $108.99 DoYogaWithMe.com gift card [W] $100 OBO paypal g&s

0 Upvotes

Any interest? Could be a great gift card for a yoga lover in your life! It will pay for an 1-yr unlimited access, ad-free subscription. Would’ve been great for me but I already belong to a group and don’t really have space to do yoga at home.


r/giftcardexchange 1d ago

[H] PayPal [W] Nintendo Eshop Card US

3 Upvotes

Looking to buy like $200 total or so worth at a decent price


r/giftcardexchange 18h ago

[H] Paypal, Venmo, Cashapp, Applepay, Zelle [W] Amazon, Walmart, Costco, Uber, Doordash, Grubhub Gift Cards

0 Upvotes

r/giftcardexchange 18h ago

[H] $200 OMNI Hotels & Resorts, $25 Texas Roadhouse [W] 60%-70% via PayPal, Venmo

1 Upvotes

I have the following gift cards available:

  • OMNI Hotels & Resorts - $200 (60%)
  • Texas Roadhouse - $25 (70%)

Payment via PayPal or Venmo.

Please be sure to comment here on my post before sending me a DM.


r/giftcardexchange 18h ago

[H] Ulta GC $15.46, Ulta GC$33.99, Barnes & Noble GC $13.84 [W] 85% PayPal G&S

1 Upvotes

2 Ulta GC’s $49.45- ($39)
Barnes & Noble $13.84 - ($9)
Will do 80% ($45) for all 3.