#None #Consumer Protection #Gift Card Fraud #AG Campaign

Joint Campaign to Combat Gift Card Fraud

In a united effort to combat the rising threat of gift card fraud, the Honorable Kathy Jennings, Attorney General of Delaware, along with 13 other state attorneys general, has launched a public service announcement (PSA) campaign designed to inform and protect consumers. This initiative, financed by the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance, aims to raise awareness and encourage individuals to report fraudulent activities involving gift cards, especially as the holiday season approaches, a prime time for scammers to exploit unsuspecting victims.

The campaign is set to run from December 26, 2025, through January 31, 2026. It delivers a cohesive message emphasizing that while gift cards can be safe, consumers must remain vigilant against potential scams. Through various media forms, the campaign will highlight common fraudulent tactics, provide tips for using gift cards safely, and motivate the public to promptly report any instances of gift card fraud to the respective state's attorney general's office.

Gift card scams typically involve perpetrators posing as trustworthy organizations or individuals, pressuring victims into purchasing gift cards and sharing the activation codes. Such schemes can lead to significant financial losses and emotional distress among consumers. As Lisa LaBruno, Executive Director of the RILA Communities Foundation, pointed out, joining forces with attorneys general sends a decisive warning to fraudsters while equipping consumers with the necessary tools to defend themselves and their loved ones.

The collaborative approach taken by the attorneys general emphasizes their commitment to holding scammers accountable for their actions. As Karen White, Executive Director of the Attorney General Alliance, stated, “State attorneys general take these crimes very seriously and will continue to use their full authority to investigate, prosecute, and prevent gift card fraud.” This teamwork, combined with law enforcement and other stakeholders, is aimed at sending a robust message that fraudulent activity will not be tolerated in any form.

To effectively recognize and protect against gift card scams, it’s crucial for consumers to remember that legitimate government agencies and reputable companies will never demand payment via gift cards. Requests for quick actions or secrecy can be major red flags indicating potential scams. If you, or someone you know, have been targeted by such fraudulent activity, it is vital to report the incident to the Delaware Attorney General's Office. Every report helps track criminal actions and builds stronger cases against those who perpetrate these crimes.

The initiative involves participation from attorneys general in various states, including:

• - Arkansas: Tim Griffin
• - Delaware: Russell Coleman and 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
• - Kentucky: Kris Kobach
• - Washington: Nick Brown

For further details about this PSA campaign and additional resources aimed at preventing gift card fraud, individuals are encouraged to visit the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance website or check with their state attorney general’s official page. Formed in 2024, the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance is part of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) Communities Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering economic health and public safety within retail communities. The alliance’s goal is to educate the public and lawmakers on gift card fraud, enhance cooperation between the public and private sectors in investigating illegal activities, and innovate new strategies to combat fraudulent actions effectively.

Together, through this concerted endeavor, state attorneys general are aiming not only to safeguard consumers but also to dismantle the networks that perpetuate gift card fraud, thus creating a safer environment for everyone during the holiday season and beyond.