State Attorneys General Join Forces to Combat Rising Gift Card Fraud
Who's Protecting Your Gift Cards?
In an urgent effort to protect consumers from increasing gift card scams, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has united with 13 other state attorneys general to launch a public service announcement (PSA) campaign. Funded by the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance, this initiative aims to spread awareness about the fraudulent tactics that scammers use, especially during the holiday season when many find themselves redeeming gift cards.
Gift cards are a commonly used gift during the holidays, providing a perfect opportunity for con artists to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals. The PSA campaign will roll out from December 26, 2025, through January 31, 2026, delivering a unified message that while gift cards can be safe, consumers must stay vigilant against potential scams.
Understanding the Threat
Scammers often impersonate trusted organizations, pressuring victims into purchasing gift cards and providing the card codes. These schemes can lead to substantial financial losses and emotional distress. Earlier this year, AG Griffin’s office uncovered a sophisticated network of organized criminals who exploited gift card systems at major retail stores. They were alerted when cards were loaded, quickly draining the funds before consumers had the chance to utilize them, resulting in over $2 million in losses.
In words echoed by AG Griffin, “Gift card fraud is a major issue across the nation. We are committed to cracking down on these criminal networks.” The ease of access and difficulty in tracing gift cards make them particularly appealing to organized crime. Griffin also highlighted ongoing collaborations with retailers to combat these scams.
A Unified Front
The coalition led by AG Griffin aims to send a strong message to those who partake in gift card fraud. Lisa LaBruno, Executive Director of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) Communities Foundation, emphasized the necessity of teamwork in combating this fraudulent activity. “It takes a coalition to address gift card fraud effectively,” LaBruno stated, urging consumers to report any suspicious interactions regarding gift cards to the appropriate authorities.
Consumers can protect themselves by understanding that legitimate government agencies and reputable companies will never request payment in the form of gift cards. If you encounter requests for immediate payment or secrecy, it’s likely a scam and should be reported to the authorities.
Reporting Fraud
If you suspect that you or someone you know has fallen victim to a gift card scam, it is crucial to report the incident immediately to your state’s attorney general office. Every report helps in tracking and addressing criminal activities.
The participating attorneys general 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
- - Oregon: Dan Rayfield
- - Illinois: Kwame Raoul
- - Pennsylvania: Dave Sunday
- - Iowa: Brenna Bird
- - South Dakota: Marty Jackley
- - Kansas: Kris Kobach
- - Washington: Nick Brown
The public is encouraged to visit the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance’s website or the respective state attorney general’s site for more information on the PSA campaign and prevention resources.
Created in 2024, the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance aims to educate the public and legislators about gift card fraud while fostering partnerships between the retail industry and law enforcement to investigate these crimes effectively. With awareness and proactive reporting, we can work together to combat gift card fraud and protect our communities.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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