#United States #Consumer Protection #Carson City #Gift Card Fraud #Aaron Ford

Collaborative Efforts to Protect Consumers from Gift Card Frauds

In a decisive move to safeguard consumers against the surging threat of gift card fraud, Nevada's Attorney General Aaron Ford has joined forces with Attorneys General from 13 additional states. Their initiative features a public service announcement (PSA) campaign funded by the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance, a prominent organization that advocates for consumer protection in this area. As the holiday season approaches, millions of Americans are poised to redeem gift cards — a time when scammers often strike, tricking unsuspecting individuals into financial traps.

The PSA will run between December 26, 2025, and January 31, 2026, delivering a unified message across the participating states. This campaign not only emphasizes that gift cards can be safe but also urges consumers to stay alert regarding potential scams. The initiative highlights various fraudulent tactics used by offenders, offers safe usage tips, and stresses the importance of reporting gift card fraud to state attorney general offices.

Identifying Common Scams

Gift card scams frequently involve fraudsters posing as trusted entities or individuals. Victims are pressured into purchasing gift cards and sharing their codes, leading to severe financial losses and emotional stress. "Gift card scams exploit trust and urgency, and too many Nevadans are paying the price," remarked Attorney General Ford. He emphasized that the PSA was designed to equip consumers with the knowledge to recognize warning signs, protect their finances, and report fraudulent activities effectively. If anyone requests payment via gift cards, it is a clear indication of a scam.

The goal of this collaborative effort is to send a potent message to criminals engaged in gift card fraud while providing consumers with the necessary tools to protect themselves and their loved ones. Lisa LaBruno, Executive Director of the RILA Communities Foundation, highlighted the collective strength brought forth by the Attorneys General. "It takes a village to combat gift card fraud, and it's vital to disseminate information so consumers are aware of these scams and know how to avoid them," she concluded.

Resources and Reporting Fraud

To aid in recognizing and evading gift card scams, consumers should remember that government entities and reputable businesses will never request payment in gift cards. Immediate actions or secrecy requests are significant red flags. If you or someone you know falls victim to such a scam, it is imperative to report the incident to the respective Attorney General's Office promptly. Each report is valuable for tracking criminal activities and building stronger cases against involved networks.

Participating Attorneys General

This initiative includes prominent Attorneys General from various states, enhancing its national reach:

• - Arkansas: Tim Griffin
• - Delaware: Kathy Jennings
• - District of Columbia: Brian L. Schwalb
• - Georgia: Chris Carr
• - Illinois: Kwame Raoul
• - Iowa: Brenna Bird
• - Kansas: Kris Kobach
• - Kentucky: Russell Coleman
• - Michigan: Dana Nessel
• - Nevada: Aaron Ford
• - Oregon: Dan Rayfield
• - Pennsylvania: Dave Sunday
• - South Dakota: Marty Jackley
• - Washington: Nick Brown

For more insights regarding the PSA campaign and resources geared towards preventing gift card fraud, individuals are encouraged to visit the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance's website or the official page of their state's attorney general. Formed in 2024, the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance operates under the RILA Communities Foundation (RCF), a non-profit organization devoted to enhancing community vibrancy and supporting initiatives aimed at economic health and public safety.

Endorsing such campaigns reflects a larger commitment to consumer protection, especially during peak seasons like the holidays, where scams are rampant. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed, vigilant, and proactive in safeguarding their financial well-being against gift card fraud.