Gift cards and “small favors”: money requests from a match
In short
Someone you haven't met asks you to send money, a gift card code or a transfer - for a ticket to see you, a bill or a “small favor” they'll pay back. Gift cards and instant transfers are chosen because they can't be reversed. A request for money before meeting is the clearest scam sign there is.
How it usually goes
- A warm chat, sometimes a promise to meet soon.
- A sudden obstacle: a ticket, a bill, a blocked card, a phone with no credit.
- A request for a gift card code, a transfer app or crypto.
- After the first payment, a new obstacle appears.
Signs to spot
- Stop Asks for money, a gift card, a ticket or a bill - even “just a loan”
What the messages look like
i want to come see you but my card is blocked, can you send me a gift card for the ticket? i'll pay you back
could you lend me 150 for the bill? just this once, i promise
Typical wording used by scammers on dating apps and messengers.
What to do
- Don't send money or gift card codes to anyone you haven't met.
- If they want to meet, offer to meet locally - the “ticket” problem usually disappears.
- Already paid? Contact your bank or card issuer immediately and keep screenshots.
Flava is for adults 18+.