In the world of online gifting, few things are more disheartening than discovering that a promise of convenience and value has turned into a trap. One warning you should take seriously is the mention of giftcardmall.mygift. Scammers are using this (or variations of it) in phishing attempts and fraudulent card-balance schemes. Knowing how the scam works, what red flags to watch out for, and how to protect yourself is vital to avoid losing your money.
What is giftcardmall.mygift (and why is it risky?)
At first glance, the phrase “giftcardmall.mygift” may appear to reference a legitimate service for checking or redeeming a gift card issued by a known brand. Scammers often exploit trusted brand names (in this case the parent company of Gift Card Mall) and sub-domains or look-alike URLs to lure unsuspecting users into giving away card numbers, PINs, or other sensitive information. In these schemes a user may be directed to a site asking them to “register their card” or “check the balance” on a suspicious URL such as mygift.giftcardmall.com. Some sources say this specific subdomain may be legitimate, but many users report being redirected or ending up on look-alike domains that are clearly fraudulent. Trustpilot+3ScamAdviser+3flyertalk.com+3
How the scam typically plays out
Here’s the common sequence:
- You buy (or are gifted) a physical gift card—or you receive one in digital form. The card packaging or email references a website like “go to mygift.giftcardmall.com to activate or check balance.” Reddit
- You visit the site, and it may look legitimate (sometimes even with the right branding). You’re prompted to enter the full card number, PIN, expiration date, or other codes.
- Once you enter that information, a few things can happen: your balance may suddenly be 0 or close to 0; or the site simply fails to load properly; or you get redirected to another site that drains the funds. Users report immediate unauthorized transactions after activation. Trustpilot+2Reddit+2
- When you try to contact customer support, you may encounter non-working phone lines, automated responses, or no resolution at all. Several users describe being told “we’ll send a replacement card” and nothing ever comes. Reddit
What the user reviews and research show
Consumer review sites are full of cautionary tales. On Trustpilot and PissedConsumer, many users say:
- As soon as they registered the card or tried to use it, the balance was gone. Trustpilot+1
- Customer service was unresponsive or unhelpful; cards failed to work or were declined despite showing a balance. Trustpilot+1
- The company is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau and warnings about this business model keep increasing. Better Business Bureau
Meanwhile, cybersecurity advice warns that fake balance-check portals are a very common gift-card scam vector. giftcards.com
Key warning signs to watch for
- The website address is slightly wrong (e.g., “mygift.giftcardmall” vs “giftcardmall.com”) or the page is redirected unexpectedly.
- You are asked to enter full card details including PIN or security code before use.
- The card packaging encourages you to register the card immediately online “to unlock the value”.
- You cannot verify the card’s balance using the issuer’s official website (or the official site asks for the same information you already gave).
- The balance disappears or a charge happens instantly after activation—especially when you haven’t used the card yourself.
- Customer service is unreachable or gives vague explanations.
- You were directed to buy the card because someone said it was required (a typical sign of a scam). According to official guidance, legitimate uses never require you to buy a gift card in order to pay someone or receive something. Consumer Advice
Why it happens and who benefits
The scammers’ goal is simple: obtain card numbers and security codes that allow them to immediately withdraw or transfer the balance. These funds are often used quickly before the card issuer can freeze them. Because gift cards are harder to trace and reverse than credit-card purchases, they are a favorite vehicle for fraud. Additionally, using a brand-related URL gives the scam a veneer of legitimacy.
What you can do to protect yourself
- Only purchase gift cards from trusted retailers and official websites. Avoid third-party sellers unless you are certain of their legitimacy.
- Inspect the card packaging before purchase: check that the scratch-off area is intact, the card number and PIN are hidden, and there is no evidence of tampering.
- After purchase, activate or register the card only via the issuer’s official portal (check the domain carefully). If the packaging gives you a URL that looks unusual, go to the main website of the issuer and navigate from there.
- After activation, use or reserve the funds quickly; don’t let the card sit unused for long.
- Keep the purchase receipt and take a photo or screenshot of the card number and PIN (before using)—this helps if you need to report fraud.
- Check the balance right away and monitor it for any unauthorized use.
- If you suspect scam activity, contact your bank and the gift card issuer immediately; report the fraud to your local consumer protection agency.
- Never give out the full card number and PIN to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly, or who says you must pay via gift card. That is a standard tell-tale sign of a scam.
What to do if you think you’ve been scammed
If you used a card tied to the mentioned URL or similar site and you suspect the balance has been drained:
- Stop using the card and document the issue (dates, amounts, what happened).
- Contact the issuer (phone number on the back of the card) and explain the unauthorized transactions. Ask whether they can freeze the card or issue a replacement.
- Contact your bank or payment method used to fund the card purchase and ask if they can reverse the transaction or open a fraud investigation.
- File a complaint with your national or regional consumer protection authority.
- Warn friends or family not to use the same suspicious link or site.
Conclusion
The line that starts with “giftcardmall.mygift” is a serious warning sign. Whether the sub-domain is exactly that or a close variation, you must treat any site requesting full card number and PIN under the guise of “activating” or “checking balance” with extreme caution. Legitimate gift-card issuers do not require the kind of access that leaves your funds vulnerable. Be vigilant, verify the site, act swiftly once you activate a card, and if something seems off — don’t hesitate to take action and report it. Protect your gift-card value like you would any other financial instrument.