Scam report Scam Alerts

DollarGifted.com “$500 Dollar Tree Gift Card” Scam Explained

By Thomas Orsolya7 min read

The lure of easy free gift cards from popular retailers like Dollar Tree seems highly enticing. But supposed free gift card offers blasted online by scammers usually turn out to be thinly-veiled ploys for stealing personal information and cash.

Advertisements

One current scam making the rounds dangles a $500 Dollar Tree gift card as bait to trick victims. Using Dollar Tree branding without permission, the Dollargifted.com website falsely claims all you have to do is click a link, enter basic information, and complete some deals to receive the massive gift card credit. However, it’s just a facade for funneling victims into shady websites and services carrying hidden fees.

Dollargifted.com scam
Advertisements

Overview of the Dollargifted.com “$500 Dollar Tree Gift Card” Scam

The Dollargifted.com website displays the Dollar Tree logo prominently and tempts victims with the following claims:

“Complete the Steps below to Claim your 100−100-100−500 Dollar Tree Gift Card

Steps to Qualify

  1. Click on “Get Started” below
  2. Enter your email and basic information
  3. Complete 5 recommended deals (required)
  4. Claim your $500 Dollar Tree Gift Card”
Advertisements

However, Dollar Tree is not actually giving away $500 gift cards for completing basic steps on this site. And finishing “recommended deals” does not generate a code for a free gift card either. The promises are completely bogus.

In reality, clicking “Get Started” sends victims through an affiliate funnel aimed at collecting personal data and signing people up for subscription services or dubious offers that result in credit card charges.

This scam takes advantage of the Dollar Tree brand recognition to trick shoppers who would love to receive a massive pre-paid card credit. But the website has no actual association with the real Dollar Tree rewards programs.

Advertisements

How the Dollargifted.com “$500 Dollar Tree Gift Card” Scam Works

Here is a walkthrough of what happens when you click on Dollargifted.com:

Advertisements

1. Scam Ads and Emails Lead to Dollargifted.com

The scam starts with social media ads, pop-ups, text messages, or spam emails directing victims to the Dollargifted.com website.

Subject lines like “Claim $500 Dollar Tree Gift Card Here” r“Receive $500 Dollar Tree Gift Card Now” entice people to click on the links. The messages illegally use the Dollar Tree logo to appear valid.

2. Site Claims Completing Steps Gets a $500 Card

The Dollargifted site displays the Dollar Tree logo prominently and minimal text reading:

“Complete the Steps below to Claim your $500 Dollar Tree Gift Card

Steps to Qualify

  1. Click on “Get Started” below
  2. Enter your email and basic information
  3. Complete 5 recommended deals (required)
  4. Claim your $500 Dollar Tree Gift Card”
Advertisements
Advertisements

This gives the impression that simply clicking, entering basic info, and finishing deals will generate a $500 digital gift card code. But there are no details on what “recommended deals” entail or how codes are provided.

3. Clicking “Get Started” Leads Down an Affiliate Funnel

When victims click “Get Started” believing they will receive a $500 Dollar Tree gift card, they are instead redirected to an affiliate funnel.

Captcha scam

Advertisements

This means victims are forced to hand over personal information, agree to subscribe to services, or download apps and software they likely do not want. The purpose is to collect data and expose victims to offers carrying commissions.

4. “Deals” Include Downloads, Junk Trials, and Subscription Traps

To receive the promised gift card, victims must complete 5 “recommended deals”. These offers prey on victims’ desires to claim the $500 reward:

  • Downloading shady apps or browser extensions
  • Signing up for “risk-free” trial offers that convert into paid subscriptions
  • Submitting a ton of personal information like full name, birthdate, addresses, phone numbers, etc.
  • Completing pages of time-wasting surveys and questionnaires

Many downloads are affiliated malware or spyware. Trials turn into charges victims must proactively cancel. And personal info gets sold to other shady parties.

5. No Gift Card is Received – Just Recurring Charges

After completing the required “deals”, victims find out there is no actual $500 Dollar Tree gift card. The promise was a total scam designed to expose people to junk offers.

Instead, victims are left with:

  • Monthly credit card charges for any paid trials they signed up for but didn’t cancel in time
  • Malware on devices from downloaded apps and software
  • Spam emails flooding inboxes with more scammy offers
  • Personal info sold and used to target victims for other scams

Meanwhile, the scammers behind the affiliate funnel profit from commissions earned on each completed offer or download.

Advertisements

What to Do If You Fell for the Dollar Tree Gift Card Scam

If you already clicked on Dollargifted.com and went through the funnel, here are important steps to take right away:

  • Carefully check credit cards and bank accounts and dispute any unauthorized charges. Watch out for recurring monthly fees.
  • Scan devices for malware and uninstall anything downloaded from the affiliate flow to avoid compromise.
  • Change passwords on any accounts you may have entered information for to protect credentials. Enable two-factor authentication if possible.
  • Contact the major credit bureaus to implement protective fraud alerts in case your information gets misused.
  • Report the scam to the FTC, Dollar Tree security team, and any other entities that can help shut the scam down. The more reports filed, the better.
  • Forward any scam emails to spam@uce.gov and your email provider to help block further spread. Delete all messages related to the bogus offer.

Staying vigilant following exposure to gift card scams limits damages and helps authorities stop ongoing schemes. Don’t let desire for free rewards allow scammers to take advantage.

Advertisements

Is Your Device Infected? Run a Free Malware Scan

Slow performance, constant pop-ups, or strange behavior? These are classic signs of a malware infection. A quick way to check is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Free, one of the most trusted malware removal tools available. If you only visited a scam page and didn’t download or install anything, this scan is optional.

The free version detects and removes the most common threats, including:

  • Adware — the cause of those annoying pop-ups
  • Browser hijackers — unwanted redirects and changed homepages
  • Trojans and spyware — hidden programs stealing your data
  • Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) — software you never asked for

👉 Select your device below — Windows, Mac, or Android — then follow the simple steps to download Malwarebytes, scan your system, and remove any threats it finds. The scan usually takes 5 to 20 minutes.

Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows

Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan your PC and remove what Malwarebytes finds.

  1. Download Malwarebytes

    Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.

    Malwarebytes Free for WindowsScans and removes malware at no cost
    Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for Windows 11 and 10. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium
  2. Install Malwarebytes

    When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.

    Windows File Explorer Downloads folder with the Malwarebytes setup file highlighted
  3. Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes

    The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:

    • Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.

      Malwarebytes Setup asking you to choose a protection type, with Personal selected
    • Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.

      Malwarebytes Setup installing the program, with the progress at 92 percent
    • When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.

      Welcome to Malwarebytes screen with the Get started button highlighted
    • On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.

      Malwarebytes Setup success screen with the Open Malwarebytes button highlighted
  4. Optional: Check for rootkits with a Custom Scan

    You don’t need to change any settings for a normal scan. The standard Threat Scan in the next step is enough for most problems, so you can go straight to it.

    If you also want to check for rootkits, use a Custom Scan. In current versions of Malwarebytes, rootkit scanning is only available there:

    1. On the Scanner tile, click the three-dot menu and select Advanced Scan.
    2. Choose Custom Scan. In its options, check Scan for rootkits.
    3. Select your system drive (usually C:\) as the location to scan, then start the scan. It takes longer than a Threat Scan.
    4. When it finishes, review and quarantine the results as described in the steps below.

    Rootkit scanning isn’t available on Windows devices with ARM processors.

  5. Start the Scan

    Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.

    Malwarebytes dashboard with the Scan button on the Scanner tile highlighted
  6. Wait for the Scan to Finish

    The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on your computer. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.

    Malwarebytes Threat Scan in progress, listing the scan stages and the number of items scanned
  7. Quarantine the Detected Threats

    When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.

    Malwarebytes Threat Scan results listing detected potentially unwanted programs, with the Quarantine button highlighted

    Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.

    Malwarebytes moving the selected detections to quarantine
  8. Restart Your Computer

    Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.

    Malwarebytes message asking to restart the computer to finish the removal, with the Yes button highlighted

When the scan is done, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they continue, see the options below.

Keep your PC protectedStop the next infection before it starts
If your antivirus let this threat through, it may not be enough on its own. Malwarebytes Premium adds real-time protection that blocks malware, ransomware, and malicious websites before they can infect your computer.See Malwarebytes Premium

If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:

Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Mac

Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan your Mac and remove what Malwarebytes finds.

  1. Download Malwarebytes for Mac

    Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.

    Malwarebytes Free for MacScans and removes malware at no cost
    Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for macOS. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium
  2. Open the Malwarebytes setup file

    When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.

    Double-click on setup file to install Malwarebytes

  3. Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes

    The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.

    Click Continue to install Malwarebytes for Mac

    Click again on Continue to install Malwarebytes for Mac

    Click Install to install Malwarebytes on Mac

    When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.

    Malwarebytes needs Full Disk Access to check your whole Mac. When it asks, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access, turn on Malwarebytes (it may be listed as Malwarebytes Protection), and confirm with your password or Touch ID. Then return to Malwarebytes. On macOS Monterey and earlier, this setting is in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.

  4. Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”

    Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
    Select Personal Computer or Work Computer mac

  5. Start the Scan

    Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
    Click on Scan button to start a system scan Mac

  6. Wait for the Scan to Finish

    Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
    Wait for Malwarebytes for Mac to scan for malware

  7. Quarantine the Detected Threats

    When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
    Review the malicious programs and click on Quarantine to remove malware

  8. Restart Your Mac

    Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they come back, save the scan report and ask for help in our forum.
    Malwarebytes For Mac requesting to restart computer

If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.

Keep your Mac protectedStop the next infection before it starts
If your Mac got infected, its built-in protection may not be enough on its own. Malwarebytes Premium for Mac adds real-time protection that blocks malware and adware before they can infect your Mac.See Malwarebytes Premium

If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.

Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android

Malwarebytes for Android scans your phone or tablet for malware, adware, and potentially unwanted apps. The free version scans only when you start a scan. Real-time protection, which checks apps automatically, is part of the paid Premium version.

  1. Download Malwarebytes for Android.

    You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.

    Malwarebytes for AndroidScans your phone and removes malware at no cost
    Get Malwarebytes for AndroidOpens Google Play in a new tab.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium for Android
  2. Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.

    In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.

    Tap Install to install Malwarebytes for Android

    When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
    Malwarebytes for Android - Open App

  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process

    When Malwarebytes opens, it walks you through a short setup. Tap Get started and follow the prompts. If you see an offer for a trial or a paid plan, read it before you accept. You can skip it and keep using the free scanner.

    Malwarebytes will ask for permission to access the files on your phone so it can scan them. Tap Allow, or turn on the permission in the Android screen that opens, then return to Malwarebytes.

  4. Run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android

    On the main screen, tap Scan now. In some versions, you open the menu, tap Scanner, and then tap Run a scan.

  5. Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.

    Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
    Malwarebytes scanning Android for Vmalware

  6. Remove the detected apps.

    When the scan has been completed, you will see a list of the threats that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. Next to each detected item, tap the menu icon (three dots), then choose to uninstall the app or delete the file. Android then asks you to confirm. Tap OK or Uninstall to remove the app.

  7. Restart your phone.

    When the detected apps are removed, restart your phone if Malwarebytes asks you to. Then check whether the problems you noticed have stopped.


If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.

Keep your phone protectedStop the next infection before it starts
Malwarebytes for Android Premium adds real-time protection that blocks malicious apps and scam links before they can harm your phone.See Malwarebytes for Android

If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:

A factory reset erases everything on your phone. Your apps, photos, files, and settings are deleted, so use it only if the problem continues after the steps above and after you’ve asked for help. Before you reset:
  • Back up your photos, videos, files, and messages, for example to your Google account or a computer.
  • Make sure you know your Google account email and password. The phone asks for them after the reset. If you changed the password recently, Google recommends waiting 24 hours before you reset.
  • On a Samsung phone, also make sure you know your Samsung account password.
  • If you use an authenticator app for two-step verification, move your accounts to another device or save your backup codes first.
On a Google Pixel, go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). On a Samsung Galaxy phone, go to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset. Menu names differ on other phones, so check your manufacturer’s support site.

Stay Protected: Block Ads and Malicious Sites

No scan can prove a device is completely clean, so it helps to block threats before they reach you. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button — so blocking them at the source is your best defense.

We recommend AdGuard, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.

👉 Download AdGuard and browse safely

Frequently Asked Questions About the Dollargifted.com Scam

1. What is the $500 Dollar Tree gift card scam?

This is a scam where ads and emails direct victims to Dollargifted.com by promising a free $500 Dollar Tree gift card. The site displays the Dollar Tree logo and claims you just need to click a link, enter info, complete deals, and get a gift card. But it’s completely fake and not associated with Dollar Tree.

2. How does the Dollar Tree gift card scam work?

Victims are lured by ads or emails promising an easy $500 gift card. Clicking takes them to Dollargifted.com and its bogus promise. But clicking “Get Started” redirects to an affiliate funnel, not a gift card. Victims have to complete offers and enter personal info, allowing scammers to profit from commissions and stolen data. No gift card is ever provided.

Advertisements

3. Are the offers on Dollargifted.com legitimate?

No. The offers are for suspicious downloads, junk trials, and sketchy subscriptions unrelated to Dollar Tree. They often convert to recurring monthly charges. The apps and downloads may contain malware. None of the offers should be trusted.

4. What happens after completing the offers?

Victims receive no $500 Dollar Tree gift card after finishing the offers. The promise was completely fake. Instead, victims find monthly charges from trials, spam emails, and potential malware or breached information if personal data was entered.

Advertisements

5. What are signs this is a scam?

Red flags include the too-good-to-be-true gift card amount, strange requirement to complete offers, use of Dollar Tree’s branding without permission, and requests for personal information. Dollar Tree would never give away gift cards via random ads or emails.

Advertisements

6. What should I do if I entered information or downloaded apps?

Monitor accounts closely for any fraudulent charges from trials.
Cancel any pending trials immediately to avoid monthly billing.
Scan devices and delete anything downloaded from the site to remove malware.
Change passwords on any accounts you entered info for.
Contact credit bureaus to implement fraud alerts.

7. How can I avoid gift card scams?

Ignore ads or emails offering easy free rewards. They are likely scams.
Do not click links from senders you don’t know. Delete suspicious messages.
Verify promotions directly via a company’s official website before providing any personal information.
Never pay any money or fees to claim a legitimate prize or gift card.

Advertisements

8. Where can I report this scam?

Report this scam to the FTC, Dollar Tree, ad networks, and email providers. The more reports filed, the more likely this scam campaign can be shut down.

Advertisements

The Bottom Line on the Dollargifted.com Scam

The bottom line is – Dollargifted.com has absolutely no connection to Dollar Tree. There are no $500 gift cards being given away. The website’s minimal text and prominent use of branding are intended to trick victims into thinking it’s legitimate.

In reality, it’s just a facade funneling victims into various subscription traps, information harvesting, and malware downloads. You will not receive a real gift card by clicking on this scam website and jumping through hoops.

To avoid this “$500 Dollar Tree Gift Card” scam, remember:

  • Dollar Tree does not give away huge gift cards in exchange for clicking links or submitting personal information. That would make no business sense.
  • If an offer seems suspiciously easy, like free rewards for minimal effort, it’s almost certainly a scam. Delete suspicious messages.
  • Never provide sensitive personal info to unfamiliar sites found via spam emails or ads.
  • Downloading software should only be done from official sources and well-reviewed publishers you trust.

Stay vigilant against gift card scams by treating supposed free reward offers with skepticism. Also be wary of sites pressuring you to download software or hand over personal data to earn prizes. With sound judgment, you can avoid traps like the bogus $500 Dollar Tree gift card scam.

Advertisements

Make your next click a safer one.

Spotting a scam is a good start. These tools can add protection when you browse, open messages, or download software.

Affiliate links We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. How we’re funded

MalwarebytesSCAM & MALWARE PROTECTION

Scam awareness. Malware protection.

Malwarebytes combines device protection with tools for checking suspicious messages and links, so you have more information before you act.

  • Scam Guard for suspicious messages
  • Real-time malware protection with Premium
Explore MalwarebytesExplore features on the official website
AdGuardAD & TRACKER BLOCKING

Less clutter. More control.

AdGuard filters intrusive ads and trackers, helping reduce unwanted interruptions and giving you more control over your browsing.

  • Blocks intrusive ads and pop-ups
  • Filters trackers while you browse
Explore AdGuardExplore features on the official website

Features vary by device and plan. These tools add protection; they do not guarantee that a website or offer is trustworthy.

Reviews & discussion

0 comments

Share a firsthand experience, or ask a question.

Your experience with dollargifted.com
Choose your rating
Add a topic (optional)

Ask about this article. No rating is needed; your question stays in its discussion.

Start the conversation

Have a question or something useful to share? Add the first comment.

Report a comment

Reports are private and reviewed by a moderator.

Written by

Thomas Orsolya

Thomas Orsolya investigates casino, shopping and other online scams as an editor at MalwareTips. Before joining MalwareTips, Thomas worked in public institutions on combating misleading advertising and on consumer protection.

45,990 articlesWriting since 2023
More from Thomas →

MalwareTips community · since 2009

Stuck on a step? 75,000+ members can help you for free.

Post your question on the forum and our volunteer malware removal experts will walk you through it, step by step.

75K+members
999K+forum messages
100K+forum topics
17+years online

Previous

ToyZoneToyZoneStore.com Scam: What You Need To Know

Next

407 ETR Unpaid Toll Text Scam – What You Need To Know

Share