Led by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, the multi-state partnership unveiled a new public service announcement (PSA) campaign on Friday aimed at insulating consumers from the sophisticated fraud tactics that often spike immediately following the holidays. The campaign, funded by the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance (GCFPA), will run through January 31, 2026.
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“Gift cards are a popular holiday present, but they are also a target for organized criminal networks that steal, tamper with, and drain their value,” Attorney General Nessel said in a statement. “My office is proud to partner with the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance, retailers, gift card networks, and attorneys general from across the country to share information and best practices, protect consumers, and dismantle the criminal operations behind these schemes.”
The campaign’s primary message is twofold: gift cards are safe when used correctly, but vigilance is non-negotiable. The PSAs focus on identifying specific red flags, such as unsolicited requests for immediate payment via gift card or demands for secrecy—tactics that legitimate companies and government agencies never use.
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“Retailers are constantly innovating to prevent gift card fraud and working with law enforcement on gift card cases,” Hallan said.
The coalition spans the political and geographic spectrum, including top legal officers from Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, and the District of Columbia.
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“It takes a village to combat gift card fraud, and it’s critical to get the word out so consumers know about these scams and how to avoid them,” LaBruno said.
Authorities are urging anyone who suspects they have been targeted to contact their state attorney general’s office immediately. Officials note that rapid reporting is essential for tracking these networks and building the necessary evidence to prosecute them.
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* Original Article:
tampafp.com/michigan-leads-the-charge-14-ags-launch-massive-blitz-against-gift-card-fraud