For most people, the "story" is one of a quick, easy-to-use solution for a last-minute gift.

: $25 and $50 cards are common for birthdays or graduations.

: Your friend gets to choose their own entertainment, whether it's a new game or an audiobook, and you avoid the "gift-less" awkwardness. The Cautionary "Scam" Story

Unfortunately, there is a darker side to the story of buying these cards. Many people are tricked into buying them by scam artists .

: You realize it's your friend's birthday in 10 minutes.

: Real organizations will never ask for payment in gift cards. If someone asks you to buy a card and text them a photo of the code , it is a scam. Where to Buy Safely

: You visit a retailer like GiftYa or Electronic First , purchase a digital code, and it lands in their inbox almost instantly.