Scams are everywhere these days. From fake shopping websites to phishing scams, cybercriminals are always looking for ways to trick people out of their money.
And one website that has been making the rounds lately is tradergifted.com. But is tradergifted.com a scam, or is it a legitimate site? We’ll find out in this blog post.
In this post, we’ll not only expose but also break down everything you need to know about this tradergifted.com, how online scams work, as well as how to protect yourself from being tricked by similar scams.
So without further ado, let’s dive right to it.
What is tradergifted.com?
At first glance, tradergifted.com appears to be a website offering something for free—usually Trader Joe’s gift cards.
If you’ve seen posts on TikTok, Instagram, or Reddit claiming that Trader Joe’s is giving away free gift cards through this site, you might be tempted to check it out.
But before you do, let’s take a deeper look at this website.
🚩 Red Flags That tradergifted.com is a Scam
Truth is, scam websites often follow the same shady patterns (We call it scam template). So here are some major red flags that suggest tradergifted.com is not legitimate:
1. No Official Backing from Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s has never given away free gift cards online. In fact, they barely have an online presence at all.
The company focuses on in-store experiences, and if they were to do a giveaway, they would announce it on their official website or verified social media accounts.
Since Trader Joe’s has not made any announcements about tradergifted.com, that’s a major warning sign.
2. Too Good to Be True Offers
One of the biggest red flags of any scam is when a website offers something valuable for free. Scammers know that people love free stuff, so they use this trick to lure victims in.
Think about it:
- Why would Trader Joe’s randomly give away free gift cards?
- What do they gain from doing this?
- If it were true, wouldn’t the company advertise it themselves?
Scammers count on people getting excited and not thinking critically. But if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
3. Lack of a Secure Website (HTTPS)
Legitimate websites use HTTPS to protect users’ data. If you visit tradergifted.com and notice that the website does not have a secure connection, that’s a huge red flag.
Scam sites often skip security measures because they don’t plan on being around for long. They pop up, scam people, and then disappear—only to come back under a new name.
4. No Contact Information or Customer Support
A real business always provides clear contact information, including:
- A customer service phone number
- A business address
- An official email
Scam websites either hide this information or provide fake details. If tradergifted.com does not have verified contact info, that’s another sign it’s a scam.
5. Reports from Other Users
If you search tradergifted.com scam on Google, Reddit, or other forums, you’ll find many people calling it out as fake.
Reddit users, in particular, have been warning others that this website is just another phishing scam. They report that the site asks for personal details, which scammers can then use to steal money or identities.
When multiple people are warning about the same website, it’s best to stay far away.
How Does the tradergifted.com Scam Work?
Now that we know tradergifted.com is likely a scam, let’s break down how it actually tricks people.
Step 1: The Bait
Scammers use social media posts, fake ads, or emails to lure people in. They might say:
- “Trader Joe’s is giving away $100 gift cards! Click here to claim yours now!”
- “Hurry! Limited-time Trader Joe’s gift card giveaway—only a few left!”
These messages create urgency so people don’t stop to think.
Step 2: The Hook
Once you visit tradergifted.com, you’ll likely see a form asking for personal information. It may ask for:
- Your name
- Your email
- Your phone number
- Even your credit card details (to “verify” your identity)
Step 3: The Theft
Once scammers get your information, they can:
- Sell your data to other criminals
- Send phishing emails to hack your accounts
- Steal money from your bank or credit card
- Use your identity for fraud
In some cases, scammers may even install malware on your device, allowing them to spy on you.
What to Do If You Fell for the tradergifted.com Scam
If you already entered your information on tradergifted.com, don’t panic—but act fast. Here’s what you should do:
1. Change Your Passwords Immediately
If you entered your email and password, change your passwords for all important accounts—especially:
- Your email
- Your bank accounts
- Your online shopping accounts
Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
2. Check Your Bank Statements
If you entered credit card or banking details, check your statements for unauthorized charges. If you see anything suspicious, contact your bank immediately.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Turning on 2FA adds an extra layer of security. Even if scammers have your password, they won’t be able to log in without the second verification step.
4. Report the Scam
To help prevent others from being scammed, report tradergifted.com to:
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Your local consumer protection agency
- Trader Joe’s (so they can warn other customers)
5. Warn Others
If you saw the scam on social media, report the post and warn your friends. Scams spread through word of mouth, and the best way to stop them is by spreading awareness.
How to Avoid Scams Like tradergifted.com in the Future
Fake websites like tradergifted.com will always exist, but you can protect yourself by being smart and cautious. Here’s how:
1. Always Verify Promotions
If a company is offering free gift cards, check their official website or social media pages. If you don’t see anything there, it’s probably a scam.
2. Look for HTTPS
Always check if a website has HTTPS (instead of just HTTP). Secure websites will have a padlock icon in the address bar.
3. Never Share Personal Details
Legitimate giveaways never ask for:
- Your Social Security number
- Your banking details
- Your passwords
If a website asks for these, run away.
4. Research Before Clicking
Before visiting a website, Google its name + “scam”. If others have reported it, you’ll see warnings.
5. Trust Your Gut
If something feels off, trust your instincts. Scammers rely on impulsive decisions, so take a step back and think before you act.
Final Thoughts
Is tradergifted.com a scam? Yes, all signs point to it being a fraudulent website.
Scammers are getting smarter, but so can you. By staying informed and cautious, you can avoid falling into their traps.
If you found this post helpful, share it with friends and family—because the best way to fight scams is by spreading awareness.
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