Michigan’s efforts against gift card fraud advanced as Attorney General Dana Nessel was named the first attorney general partner of the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance. The Department of Attorney General said the alliance addresses a major consumer scam that cost Americans over $228 million in 2023.
The Global Consumer Fraud Prevention Alliance, created by the Retail Industry Leaders Association Communities Foundation, brings together law enforcement, retail, payment networks, technology companies, and consumer protection groups to fight scams, increase public awareness, and prosecute criminals. Attorney General Nessel expressed her support for this alliance to improve consumer protections. Her Focused Organized Retail Crime Enforcement task force has charged more than 85 people in 42 major cases and recovered significant stolen merchandise and funds. Focused Organized Retail Crime Enforcement has also targeted gift card theft scams where criminals activate and drain cards, leaving victims with worthless items, as reported by the Department of Attorney General.
House Bills 4598 and 4599 have passed the Michigan House of Representatives. The bills aim to include some gift card fraud under organized retail crime and increase legal action against offenders. Attorney General Dana Nessel said, "Together, we will educate the public, hold fraudsters accountable, and make it far more difficult for criminal organizations to target Michigan families and businesses." The bills now go to the Michigan Senate. Lisa LaBruno, Executive Director of RILA Communities Foundation, said, "Her dedication ensures that consumers in Michigan—and across the nation—are collaborating to prosecute criminal rings that orchestrate gift card scams." More information on the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance is available on their website, as stated by the Department of Attorney General.
