#USA #Consumer Protection #Salem #Gift Card Fraud #AG Campaign

AGs Unite to Keep Gift Cards Safe

In a significant collaborative initiative, Oregon's Attorney General Dan Rayfield has taken the lead alongside 13 other state attorneys general, launching a public service announcement campaign to combat the rising tide of gift card fraud across the nation. This effort is particularly timely as consumers prepare to redeem the gift cards they received over the holidays, a period when scammers often exploit unsuspecting individuals.

The Campaign Details
Set to run from December 26, 2025, to January 31, 2026, this campaign aims to deliver a unified message emphasizing the safety of gift cards while urging consumers to stay alert against fraud tactics. Many individuals fall victim to fake calls or messages from fraudsters pretending to be trustworthy organizations, leading them to unwittingly purchase gift cards and share their codes. Such scams can have devastating effects, resulting in substantial financial losses and emotional distress.

Attorney General Rayfield expressed his concern stating, "Gift cards are intended to be a simple and enjoyable way to celebrate the holidays— not tools for scammers. These deceitful schemes prey on individuals' fears and urgencies, causing anyone to fall victim."

The PSA educates consumers on common fraud tactics associated with gift card usage, such as unexpected requests for payment via gift cards or any urgent and secretive behavior from the caller. It is crucial for consumers to recognize these red flags and understand that reputable organizations will never demand payment through gift cards.

Importance of Reporting Scams
In addition to raising awareness, the campaign strongly encourages individuals to report any gift card fraud incidents promptly to their state attorney general’s office. Reporting these scams not only aids in tracking criminal activity but also assists in building robust cases against the networks responsible for these fraudulent schemes. Rayfield emphasized, "Reporting incidents helps us protect consumers and ultimately take action against fraudsters. Each report strengthens our ability to combat this issue."

Participating Attorneys General
The participating attorneys general from various states include:

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

The Role of the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance
This initiative is supported by the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance, established in 2024 as part of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) Communities Foundation. This non-profit organization’s mission focuses on educating the public and lawmakers about gift card fraud while enhancing collaboration across sectors to investigate these criminal activities. Lisa LaBruno, the Executive Director of the RILA Communities Foundation, stated, "It takes a village to combat gift card fraud. It’s essential to spread awareness and equip consumers with knowledge on how to detect and avoid these scams.”

As we step into the holiday season, being informed and vigilant can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to gift card fraud. For more information on how to protect yourself and resources to report fraud, visit the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance or your state attorney general's website. Together, we can keep gift cards a safe and enjoyable way to spread holiday cheer during these festive times.