United Attorney Generals Launch Campaign to Combat Gift Card Scams

United AGs Unite to Protect Consumers from Gift Card Scams

In a bold move to bolster consumer protection, Pennsylvania's Attorney General, Dave Sunday, has teamed up with 13 other state Attorneys General to launch a nationwide public service announcement (PSA) campaign focused on the rising menace of gift card scams. This initiative, backed by the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance, seeks to shield consumers amidst the holiday shopping season, a time when many individuals are likely to redeem gift cards.

Starting from December 26, 2025, and running through January 31, 2026, the campaign will deliver a consistent message from state AGs emphasizing the safety of gift cards while simultaneously alerting the public to the potential fraud risks associated with them. The initiative will not only outline common tactics used by scammers—typically involving impersonation of trusted entities—but also offer practical advice on how consumers can safely handle their gift cards.

The Reality of Gift Card Scams

Gift card scams have become particularly prevalent, with fraudsters often employing sophisticated strategies to trick individuals into purchasing gift cards and providing their codes. These scams can result in substantial financial loss and emotional strain for victims. Attorney General Sunday expressed his commitment to consumer protection, stating, "Protecting consumers and businesses from scammers is a priority, particularly during the holiday season when many are gifting and using gift cards."

As organized retail crime grows, it poses serious risks not only to individual consumers but also to local economies, driving up overall costs for everyone. Sunday highlighted that maintaining affordable goods for Pennsylvanians is crucial for helping businesses thrive, ensuring a stable and robust economy.

John Holub, President of the Pennsylvania Retailers' Association, commented on the challenge of gift card fraud, noting, "These scams are appealing to organized crime networks due to their ease of access and difficulty in tracing. Retailers are actively working to combat these threats and appreciate AG Sunday's commitment to consumer safety."

A Collaborative Effort

The collective action by the AGs signifies a powerful stance against gift card fraud. Lisa LaBruno, Executive Director of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) Communities Foundation, emphasized the importance of community collaboration in combating these scams. She said, "By joining forces, we send a clear message to criminals while equipping consumers with the knowledge to protect themselves."

Consumers are urged to be cautious and to remember that no legitimate government agency or reputable company will ever demand payment via gift cards. Signs of impending fraud include urgent demands for action or requests for confidentiality when purchasing gift cards. If individuals suspect they have fallen victim to a gift card scam, they should promptly report it to their state attorney general's office. Every report helps create a robust database of criminal activities, aiding in building stronger legal cases against the perpetrators.

The collaboration features participation from numerous Attorneys General across the country, including those from Arkansas, Kentucky, Delaware, and Georgia, among others. A comprehensive resource for preventing gift card fraud is available on the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance's website, as well as on each respective state’s attorney general page.

As the holidays approach, it is crucial for consumers to remain vigilant and educated about the threats of gift card fraud. This campaign marks a significant step toward fostering consumer awareness and safety amidst the evolving landscape of retail scams.

For further information on the PSA campaign and how to thwart gift card fraud, the public is encouraged to visit the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance's website, which plays a pivotal role in educating consumers and lawmakers about ongoing fraud trends and prevention strategies.