AGs Join Forces to Safeguard Consumers Against Gift Card Fraud Scams

Safeguarding Consumers from Gift Card Scams

In a proactive measure to combat the rise of gift card scams, Attorney General Kwame Raoul of Illinois has joined forces with his counterparts from 13 other states. This collaborative effort resulted in the launch of a crucial public service announcement campaign aimed at informing consumers about the dangers of gift card fraud. As the holiday season approaches, millions of Americans are set to redeem gift cards, creating ripe opportunities for scammers to exploit unsuspecting buyers.

The public service announcements (PSAs) will air from December 26, 2025, to January 31, 2026. The unified message echoes the importance of safeguarding gift cards while urging consumers to remain alert against fraudulent activities. Many consumers may be unaware of how scammers operate, leading to significant financial losses and emotional distress. Common tactics involve fraudsters posing as reputable organizations or closely associated individuals, pressuring victims into buying gift cards and sharing their codes. According to Rob Karr, President of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, "Gift card scams attract organized retail crime networks due to their accessibility and difficulty in tracing back to the perpetrators."

The campaign aims to enlighten consumers about prevalent fraud tactics, offering tips on safe gift card usage, and stressing the importance of promptly reporting any incidents of fraud to state attorney general offices. Effectively combating such fraud requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including state attorneys general, who serve as the chief legal and consumer protection officers in their respective regions. This partnership is vital for sending a resonating message to criminals engaged in these deceitful activities and providing the public with the necessary tools to protect themselves.

"By pooling our resources and expertise, we are making a strong statement that we will not tolerate gift card fraud, and we are empowering consumers with the knowledge to recognize and avoid these scams," said Lisa LaBruno, Executive Director of the RILA Communities Foundation, which spearheads the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance.

The commitment shown by state attorneys general emphasizes the seriousness with which they take these crimes. They continue to utilize a wide range of law enforcement support and resources to investigate and prosecute those involved in gift card fraud. Karen White, Executive Director of the Attorney General Alliance (AGA), reassured that they are dedicated to protecting consumers. "Every report of fraud helps track criminal activity and strengthens our resolve to combat these networks, ensuring consumer safety."

Consumers must be aware that no legitimate organization will solicit payment via gift cards, and any request that pressures immediate action or demands secrecy should raise red flags. If individuals suspect they or someone they know have been targeted by a gift card scam, they are urged to report it to their local attorney general’s office without hesitation. This step not only assists in tracking fraudulent activities but also helps in building more robust cases against the criminal networks operating these schemes.

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

For additional details about the PSA campaign and resources aimed at preventing gift card fraud, individuals can visit the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance website or consult their respective state attorney general's official site. Founded in 2024, the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance operates under the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) Communities Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the economic health and public safety of the communities where retailers operate.