Report to Lowe's
Last updated September 18, 2026
The short answer
Lowe's gift card scam guidance, and where to report when money has gone
Lowe's gift cards turn up in two scams. Someone claiming to be a government or financial agency says you owe money, or someone says a family member is in trouble. Both end with you reading the numbers and PIN down the phone.
What they handle
- Demands to settle a debt or fine with Lowe's gift cards
- Family emergency calls asking for gift card numbers
- Phishing emails and texts using the Lowe's name
- Tampered gift cards
How to file a report
- 1
Stop at the gift card request
Lowe's is direct about it. No legitimate business or government agency asks to be paid specifically with gift cards. That request is the whole scam.
- 2
Never read out numbers or PINs
Do not give gift card numbers over the phone or by email in response to an unexpected call or an unsolicited message.
- 3
Report it to the FTC and the police
Lowe's points to the US Federal Trade Commission, your local police, and your state attorney general's office.
What you'll need
- The gift card numbers and the receipt
- The phone number or email that demanded payment
- The store and date of purchase
What to expect
A gift card balance drains within minutes of the numbers being shared, so acting the same hour is what matters. Call Lowe's with the card numbers and receipt before anything else.
Frequently asked questions
My grandson called and needed gift cards for bail. Was that him?
Almost certainly not. Bail is never paid in gift cards, by anyone, anywhere. Hang up and call your grandson on the number you already have for him.
Company guide
Lowe's scams
Knowing which scam you were hit by makes the report better. This is how scams impersonating Lowe's actually work, what the company will never ask you for, and the warning signs to recognise next time.
Read the guide →