**Scam Campaign Report: CardSwapConnect Gift Card Exchange Fraud**
This cybersecurity investigation has identified a coordinated scam campaign centered around the domain cardswapconnect.com, which was registered on October 8, 2025, through Name.com, Inc. The fraudulent operation targets consumers seeking to exchange or sell gift cards through what appears to be a legitimate gift card trading platform. Analysis reveals connections between this domain and two debt collection companies: REPORTS, INC., which has accumulated 10 CFPB complaints, and ACCOUNT SERVICES INC., with 8 CFPB complaints. These entities have been reported together with the cardswapconnect.com domain, suggesting a broader network of fraudulent operations.
Consumer impact data reveals multiple victims who have lost significant amounts through this scheme. Community reports document specific losses, including one victim who lost $465 after attempting to sell an Apple Store gift card obtained from trading in their phone, and another who lost $349 when attempting to exchange a gift card through the platform. The fraudulent website operates by accepting consumers' gift card information, draining the funds, and then deleting transaction histories from user accounts. Victims report that promised customer support chat features are non-functional, leaving them with no recourse to recover their stolen funds.
The campaign appears to employ multiple deceptive tactics beyond the primary gift card exchange fraud. Additional community reports indicate the use of phishing schemes involving boat sales, where scammers request victims to purchase paid reports through associated websites with promises of reimbursement. This suggests the criminal network operates across multiple fraud verticals, using various pretexts to direct victims to their controlled infrastructure.
To protect yourself from similar scams, always verify the legitimacy of gift card exchange platforms by checking for proper business registration, reading verified customer reviews, and confirming the company has established customer service channels. Never provide gift card numbers, PINs, or security codes to unfamiliar websites or individuals who contact you unsolicited. If you receive suspicious calls or messages, hang up immediately and do not click on any links. You can verify if a phone number or domain is safe by searching for it on consumer protection websites and scam databases. Report suspected fraud to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or file complaints with the FCC for phone-based scams.
This campaign represents a moderate to high threat level due to the documented financial losses and the coordinated nature of the operation involving multiple connected entities. Immediate next steps should include adding cardswapconnect.com to security blocklists, monitoring for additional domains registered by the same actors, and tracking the associated debt collection companies for potential regulatory action. Consumers who have been victimized by this scheme should immediately contact their financial institutions and file reports with appropriate authorities.