Gift card scams are when someone tries to trick you into buying gift cards and giving them the gift card codes. These scams can happen through emails, text messages, or even phone calls. Here are some tips to help you avoid gift card scams:

1. Be suspicious of unexpected requests: If someone you don't know asks you to buy gift cards and give them the codes, be careful. Don't buy any gift cards for any you do not personally know.  

2. Check the request carefully: Scammers often ask for gift cards for unusual reasons, like paying for taxes or medical bills. Be sure to check the request carefully and ask questions if it seems suspicious.

3. Don't give out gift card codes: Never give out gift card codes to someone you don't know or trust. Once someone has the gift card code, they can use the money on the card, and you won't be able to get it back.

4. Verify the request: If you're not sure whether a request for gift cards is legitimate, try to verify it with the company or organization that the request is supposed to be from. Don't use the phone number or email address in the request - look up the company's contact information online.

5. Report suspicious requests: If someone has asked you to send them a gift card or read off the codes on a card to them that you do not know report it to the company or organization that the request is supposed to be from, or to the Federal Trade Commission.

Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to gift card scams. If you're not sure whether a request for gift cards is legitimate, don't buy any gift cards or give out any gift card codes to people you don't know.