It's a scheme hitting Valley families hard.
It starts with a phone call.
It could sound like your granddaughter who may need money. Or a job offer asking you to buy supplies upfront. Or it could be a threat that you'll be arrested if you don't pay a debt.
No matter what the reason, these are all scams, asking for payment the same way.
We've heard from viewers that have paid thousands in this scam, and all in iTunes cards.
They purchased them at various stores, but many say they spent thousands at CVS.
It used to be scammers wanted you to wire money but businesses are starting to crack down.
Now they have found by getting the numbers on the back of some gift cards, it's like cash in their pocket.
The Federal Trade Commission warns scammers will try to get you to buy iTunes, Amazon Gift Cards, PayPal and re-loadable cards like Money Pak.
We asked CVS if their employees are keeping an eye out for huge gift card purchases.
A spokesperson sent a statement:
Gift card and prepaid card scams are a challenge to all retailers - our employees receive training on recognizing warning signs of these scams, including purchases involving large dollar amounts and customers who are purchasing cards for someone they don't know.
CVS Pharmacy has signage posted in our prepaid card displays advising customers to be aware of such scams. We highly recommend that customers protect themselves from scams by never providing any prepaid card information to someone they don't know and to refuse any offer that asks them to buy prepaid cards.
Bottom line don't trust anyone calling to ask you for money.
You'll be better off hanging up and checking in with family.
