Missouri's Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has issued a warning to consumers about the surge in holiday gift card scams. With a spike in fraudulent activity, Hanaway is emphasizing the importance of vigilance during this time when millions are lost to gift card fraud nationwide each year. According to a statement from the Attorney General's office, these schemes often hinge on tactics of fear, urgency, and impersonation.
Hanaway, in her statement, paints a clear picture of the scammer's method: an unexpected communication, be it a call, text, email, or message on social media, followed by demands for gift card payments under pretenses. These criminals masquerade as authority figures from various offices or even as family members, pressuring their targets to act quickly—often specifying retailers like Walmart, Target, or drugstores, and asking for card numbers and PINs from brands such as Google Play, Apple, and Amazon. "Our Office will not tolerate scammers who prey on hardworking Missourians, especially during a time of year that should be marked by generosity and joy. We are here to help, and we will continue doing everything we can to protect consumers and shut down fraudulent schemes." Hanaway asserted on the official website.
In combating these scams, Attorney General Hanaway has offered key advice for consumers. One of the main takeaways is that legitimate organizations will never demand payment via gift card. Other red flags include scammers dictating the exact type of gift card to purchase and where, and asking for the gift card number and PIN—a clear sign it's a scam.
If someone has fallen victim to a gift card scam, Hanaway advises immediate action. Victims should report the scam to the respective gift card company and inquire about possible reimbursement, with some retailers now offering support in cases of quick fraud detection. The Attorney General's office encourages anyone who suspects they've been targeted by a scam or those who've already been victimized to contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline or file a complaint online. "As families across Missouri prepare for the holidays, criminals are preparing too, and they are counting on people being distracted or rushed," Hanaway said, reinforcing the need for awareness and deliberation in the face of such scams, as detailed by the Attorney General's office.
