National Campaign Launched to Combat Gift Card Fraud Among Consumers

National Campaign to Combat Gift Card Fraud

In an effort to protect consumers from the increasing menace of gift card scams, the Attorney General of Washington, D.C., Brian L. Schwalb, has joined forces with Attorneys General from 13 other states. This collaborative endeavor, funded by the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance (GCFPA), includes the launch of a public service announcement (PSA) campaign aimed at raising awareness and offering guidance on how to avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

The PSA campaign is set to run from December 26, 2025, through January 31, 2026. As the holiday season often leads to a boom in gift card usage, scammers have been known to take advantage of this peak time to deceive individuals into purchasing gift cards under false pretenses. The campaign carries a unified message from the participating State AGs highlighting that while gift cards can be a safe gift option, it is crucial for consumers to stay alert to potential scams.

Understanding Gift Card Scams

Gift card fraud frequently involves scammers impersonating familiar organizations or trusted individuals. Victims may find themselves in a situation where they are pressured to buy gift cards and disclose the codes on those cards. These manipulative tactics can lead to severe financial losses and emotional distress for the victims affected by such scams.

Attorney General Schwalb stressed the importance of vigilance during the holiday season: "District residents should be alert for sophisticated gift card scams targeting unsuspecting shoppers. Unlike traditional scams that aim to extract personal information, these scammers often strike without any direct communication."

He encouraged anyone who believes they have fallen victim to report the incident promptly to local law enforcement agencies.

The Power of Collaboration

Lisa LaBruno, Executive Director of the RILA Communities Foundation, which spearheads the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance, stated, "By collaborating with AGs, we send a strong message to criminals committing gift card fraud. With this unified front, we not only empower consumers with the knowledge to protect themselves but also foster a community approach to combating fraud." LaBruno added that spreading awareness is vital to preventing these scams and ensuring the public knows how to recognize and respond to fraud attempts.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Consumers are urged to remember that legitimate government agencies and reputable companies will never request payments via gift cards. Red flags to watch for include unsolicited requests for immediate action or secrecy concerning transactions. To further combat gift card fraud, it is essential to educate oneself about the tactics used by scammers and stay informed about how to respond to any such situations.

If you or someone you know has experienced a gift card scam, it is crucial to file a report with your State Attorney General's Office. Every report contributes to tracking criminal activities and fortifying the legal actions required to dismantle fraud networks.

Participating Attorneys General

The attorneys general participating in this initiative come from various states, including Arkansas, Kentucky, Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, and many others, each contributing to this vital campaign to enhance consumer protection. Their efforts represent a united stand against the threat of gift card scams, aiming to ensure a safer holiday season for American consumers.

For further information about this PSA campaign and additional resources for preventing gift card fraud, you can visit the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance's website or check your state attorney general’s official page. This united effort exemplifies the importance of community involvement in combating fraudulent activities and safeguarding consumer interests.