#United States #Washington #Gift Card Fraud #GCFPA #Legislative Wins

Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance Celebrates Legislative Milestones

In a remarkable announcement, the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance (GCFPA) revealed exponential strides in legislative efforts to mitigate gift card fraud in the United States. On September 4, 2025, it was disclosed that 11 states—namely Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Utah—have enacted tough new laws that classify gift card fraud as both theft and forgery. This legislative development is a significant victory in the ongoing battle against organized retail crime.

According to a strategic memo issued by GCFPA, more than 22 states proposed bills based on the alliance's framework, which showcases a robust legislative response to the growing problem of gift card fraud. The bills reportedly garnered strong bipartisan support, with many achieving almost unanimous backing in state legislatures. Lisa LaBruno, Executive Director of the Retail Industry Leaders Association Communities Foundation (RCF), expressed optimism about the future, asserting that this constructive collaboration could pave the way for additional states to adopt similar measures in the coming years.

“Our success across the country stems from building a broad, bipartisan coalition that educated lawmakers and stakeholders about the need to protect consumers from gift card fraud,” LaBruno stated. “We strongly encourage other states to enact commonsense legislation that closes legal loopholes and prosecutes criminals perpetrating gift card tampering and scams.”

The backdrop to this legislative drive is a troubling rise in complex fraud schemes. Criminal organizations often operate across borders, capitalizing on gaps in existing legal frameworks to exploit consumers. This has ignited a concerted effort among card issuers, retailers, and law enforcement agencies to collaborate and develop innovative countermeasures against such fraud activities. The alliance's multi-faceted approach underscores an urgent need for new laws that empower law enforcement and prosecutors to address the roots of this large-scale issue.

Despite prior efforts in fraud prevention, the landscape remains hazardous for consumers. GCFPA advocates for enhanced legal tools that would empower law enforcement personnel, who have been diligently trying to combat these types of criminal offenses without sufficient resources. With the new legislation, the alliance hopes to modernize state laws in a meaningful way, effectively bolstering the fight against gift card fraud.

LaBruno emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders—retailers, law enforcement, and legislative bodies—as an essential strategy in preventing gift card fraud. “We’re taking an all-encompassing approach with our members and strategic partners to stop gift card fraud,” she added. “Our goal is to ensure gift cards remain a trusted, reliable option for consumers—especially during life's most meaningful celebrations.”

Aside from legislative advocacy, the GCFPA is also focusing on supporting investigations surrounding gift card tampering and related fraud. The alliance is committed to promoting effective risk mitigation strategies and endorsing state initiatives geared towards increasing legal accountability for those who exploit consumers through deceit.

This initiative by the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance is vital not just in bolstering consumer protection but also in preserving the integrity and trust associated with the gift card industry. As more states adopt rigorous laws against fraud, consumers can hope for a safer marketplace where gift cards can continue to serve as a convenient and safe gifting option.

For further details, the complete GCFPA strategic memo is available on their website, and more information may be found at www.protectmygiftcard.com.