Collaborative Initiative Launches to Protect Shoppers Against Rising Gift Card Scams
As the 2025 holiday shopping season approaches, an alliance of leading retailers, card networks, and law enforcement agencies is launching a nationwide social media campaign to combat the alarming surge in gift cardfraud. The campaign, led by the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance (GCFPA), aims to educate, empower, and protect consumers during the busiest shopping time of the year.
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From October 1 through December 25, holiday shoppers will see daily tips and information on the latest scams on LinkedIn and Instagram platforms, spotlighting the tactics scammers use and steps every consumer can take to avoid falling victim. This collaborative effort marks a landmark partnership among industry giants, national and state retail associations, and public safety organizations, all dedicated to protecting the public from gift card-related crimes.
Gift Card Fraud on the Rise: A United Response
According to recent reports, gift card fraud costs consumers millions of dollars annually, with incidents peaking during the holiday season. Scammers frequently target unsuspecting shoppers, tricking them into purchasing gift cards as payment for a fake debt or tampering with cards in stores and draining card funds as soon as the cards are purchased.
Recognizing the urgent need for greater awareness, retailers-including national chain stores, grocery outlets, and specialty merchants-are joining forces with major gift card networks, state retail associations, and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to spread vital information.
Empowering Shoppers with Knowledge and Action
The campaign's social media posts will focus on these essential warnings:
— Legitimate organizations will never ask you to pay fees or debts with gift cards.
— Never buy gift cards to pay a debt or to bail someone out of jail.
— Inspect gift cards carefully before purchasing. If a card looks altered, report it and choose another.
— Check Gift Card Balances Safely!Scammers set up fake websites and buy Google ads to trick you into entering your gift card details. Always use the official retailer's site to check your card balance.
— Report gift card scams to local police, state attorneys general, and the FTC. Every report matters.
By sharing clear, actionable guidance and real-world examples, partner organizations hope to reduce fraud and ensure shoppers enjoy a safe, stress-free and joy-filled holiday season.
A Shared Commitment to Consumer Protection
This collaborative campaign represents a shared commitment by retailers, gift card issuers, and law enforcement to stand together against fraud. Gift card fraud isn't just a small-time scam-it's often the work of organized retail crime rings. These groups use sophisticated tactics to target consumers. The GCFPA is working with a diverse group of stakeholders to keep gift cards safe.
“Our goal is to empower every holiday shopper with the knowledge to spot scams, protect their money, and report suspicious activity,” said Lisa LaBruno, executive director, RILA Communities Foundation. “By working together, we're making the holiday season safer for everyone.”
How to Get Involved
Consumers are encouraged to follow the RILA Communities Foundation on LinkedIn and @ProtectMyGiftCard on Instagram for daily tips and updates throughout the campaign. For more information or to report a scam, contact local law enforcement, state attorney general's offices, or visit the Federal Trade Commission's website.
Let's work together to ensure every gift card brings joy-not trouble-this holiday season.
The Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance formed in 2024 and is part of the Retail Industry Leaders Association(RILA) Communities Foundation (RCF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, with a mission to promote, foster, and encourage the vibrancy of communities in which retailers operate by supporting efforts to advance economic health and public safety. RCF leads the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance (GCFPA) which was created to educate lawmakers and the public about gift card fraud, enhance collaboration among the private and public sectors to investigate criminal activity, and drive innovation to combat fraud.
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SOURCE Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance
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