As the holiday season ends, a coalition of state attorneys general, including Oregon's Dan Rayfield, has launched a national campaign to raise awareness about gift card fraud. The PSA aims to give consumers the information they need to protect their gifts and finances.
“These scams work because they create urgency and fear, and they can happen to anyone,” said Attorney General Dan Rayfield, as reported by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield wesbite. With attorneys general from 14 states participating, the campaign, funded by the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance, emphasizes prevention through awareness.
The PSA, which began last Friday and runs through January 31, focuses on teaching the public how to spot and avoid gift card scams, which often involve criminals impersonating legitimate organizations. Recipients are warned against pressure to use their cards for payments. Officials also advise skepticism toward requests for secrecy or immediate action, both common signs of scams.
According to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division, scammers often impersonate trusted individuals or agencies to convince victims to buy gift cards and share the codes, resulting in significant financial loss. Consumers are warned not to share gift card details, as government agencies and legitimate companies will never request payment this way.
The Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance, part of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), helps combat gift card fraud. Launched in 2024, it works through law enforcement collaboration, public education, and innovation in fraud prevention. Lisa LaBruno, Executive Director of RILA Communities Foundation, said, "It takes a village to combat gift card fraud," highlighting the partnership between private and public sectors, according to the Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield wesbite.
If you or someone you know is a victim of a gift card scam, authorities urge reporting it to the state attorney general’s office immediately. Each report helps law enforcement understand the crime and strengthen cases against the perpetrators.
