Sezzle takes fraud and security very seriously. Review the resources below regarding security and learn how to shop responsibly and avoid scams while using Sezzle.
- How do I lock my virtual card and report fraudulent activity?
- What can I do to secure my account?
- How does Sezzle protect my account?
- How secure is Sezzle?
Gift Card Scams
Per the Federal Trade Commission, “No real business or government agency will ever tell you to buy a gift card to pay them.” Only scammers demand payment with a gift card like Google Play, Apple, Nordstrom, or Lowe’s. Gift cards can only be used at the store which they are for. If a scammer pretending to be Facebook support asks you to buy a Nordstrom gift card, that’s a scam.
The Federal Trade Commission also lists some methods scammers use to scam victims by pretending to be from the government, “tech support,” a friend or relative with an emergency, or your utility company.
Other Common signs of gift card scams
- Urgency: scammers say you must pay them with a gift card urgently, or bad things will happen.
- Scammers tell you which gift card you must buy or which brick-and-mortar store you can buy it from. They may stay on the phone or in contact with you throughout this process.
- Scammers will ask you for the gift card details, such as the gift card number and PIN.
- Scammers will tell you that the gift card is refundable. Gift cards are non-refundable.
How Can I Avoid Scams
- STOP and ask yourself, “Why is this company asking me to buy a gift card from another company?”
- DISCONNECT and contact the company or government agency that asks you to buy and share a gift card to validate that they contacted you.
- DO NOT SHARE gift card details with people you do not know.
Watch out for Credit Card Scams
Use a Secure Internet Connection
Make sure the website URL starts with HTTPS and a padlock icon. Websites with a URL that starts with https indicate a secure connection.
Avoid Deals Too Good to be True
The old saying “if it is too good to be true, then it probably is” applies. Question if a merchant offers a product at too low of a price. Verify the price of the item at other merchants to decide if the price is unreasonably low.
Check If the Website or the Merchant is Legitimate
Take a few precautionary steps to check the validity of the merchant before sharing your card details. A simple search on Google or Bing for reviews of the merchant or whether anyone else reported scams with the merchant can go a long way.
Report fraud and scams
Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which handles complaints about deceptive or unfair business practices. To learn more about common gift card scams, visit FTC.gov/giftcards. To file a complaint, visit https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/ , call 1-877-FTC-HELP, or write to: Federal Trade Commission, CRC-240, Washington, D.C. 20580
If your complaint is against a company in a country other than the United States, or you want to find information on where to report in locations outside the United States, visit http://www.econsumer.gov.
If you believe you have been a victim of a scam or have been exposed to one while shopping at Sezzle, contact us to speak with a member of our Support team. You can also alert us if you receive a suspicious call, or encounter any other uses of the Sezzle name that you think may be fraudulent.