Nationwide Initiative Launched to Combat Gift Card Fraud Scams
Nationwide Initiative Launched to Combat Gift Card Fraud Scams
In an unprecedented move to safeguard consumers, 14 state attorneys general (AGs) from across the United States have launched a nationwide public service campaign aimed at elevating awareness of gift card fraud. This initiative coincides with the post-holiday season, a period when many Americans redeem the gift cards received during the festive period. Unfortunately, this time also sees a surge in scams targeting unsuspecting individuals.
The Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance (GCFPA) is at the forefront of this campaign, emphasizing the importance of consumer education. Lisa LaBruno, Executive Director of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) Communities Foundation, which leads the GCFPA, articulated the group’s commitment to protecting consumers. “By joining forces with AGs, we send a powerful message to criminals while empowering consumers with the knowledge to protect themselves and their loved ones,” LaBruno remarked.
Campaign Details
The campaign is set to run from December 26, 2025, until January 31, 2026, featuring a unified message: that while gift cards are safe, vigilance is essential to avoid falling prey to scams. AGs across the states will share common tactics that fraudsters employ. Tips for safe gift card usage will include advice such as:
- - Rejecting any unsolicited requests for gift card payments.
- - Avoiding sharing gift card numbers or PINs with untrusted parties.
- - Only checking gift card balances via official retailer websites.
- - Closely inspecting packaging for signs of tampering.
In the instance that consumers find themselves victims of gift card scams—whether their cards have been compromised or they’ve inadvertently shared sensitive information—they are encourages to report incidents immediately to their state’s attorney general’s office.
The Role of Attorneys General
Attorneys general are committed to pursuing justice for consumers and holding fraudsters accountable. Karen White, Executive Director of the Attorney General Alliance (AGA), emphasized the seriousness with which AGs approach these crimes. “We will continue utilizing the full spectrum of our capabilities to investigate, prosecute, and curb these fraudulent activities,” White stated.
White pointed out that collaboration among law enforcement and various stakeholders plays a critical role in combatting fraud. The AGs’ unified stance sends a clear warning to those engaging in fraudulent behavior: such criminal activities will not be tolerated.
Among the participating state attorneys general in this campaign are:
- - Arkansas: Tim Griffin
- - Kentucky: Russell Coleman
- - Delaware: Kathy Jennings
- - Michigan: Dana Nessel
- - 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.
By leveraging the authority and chief consumer protection roles of each attorney general, the GCFPA can create a far-reaching impact in spreading awareness about gift card fraud. The school of thought behind this initiative is that when consumers are educated about potential risks, they are better equipped to recognize red flags and thus protect themselves from becoming victims.
Looking Ahead
The Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance formed in 2024 to combat gift card fraud through better education and increased cooperation between the public and private sectors. Their ultimate goal is to enhance economic health and public safety while reducing criminal activities related to gift cards. With the combined efforts of the AGs and the GCFPA, there is hope that consumers will find themselves better informed, more aware, and ultimately safer from fraud this holiday season and beyond.
For more information on this vital campaign and resources to protect against gift card scams, consumers can visit the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance’s website or their respective state attorney general's official page.
Together, with concerted efforts, we can combat gift card fraud and ensure that consumers enjoy the gifts they’ve received without fear or concern.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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