Tag: Rayfield

Salem, Ore. — Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield has joined attorneys general from 13 other states in launching a new public service announcement campaign aimed at protecting consumers from gift card scams, a form of fraud that typically spikes during the holiday season.

The campaign, funded by the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance, begins as millions of Americans prepare to redeem holiday gift cards — a time scammers often exploit by impersonating trusted organizations or individuals and pressuring victims to provide gift card codes.

“Gift cards are meant to be a simple way to celebrate the holidays — not a way for scammers to steal from people,” Rayfield said in a statement. “These scams work because they create urgency and fear, and they can happen to anyone.”

The PSAs will run from Dec. 26, 2025, through Jan. 31, 2026, and feature a unified message from participating state attorneys general emphasizing that while gift cards themselves are safe, consumers should remain alert to common scam tactics. The announcements provide tips for safe gift card use and urge people to report suspected fraud to their state attorney general’s office.

Gift card scams frequently involve criminals posing as government agencies, businesses, or even family members, then demanding payment through gift cards. Victims are often told to act immediately or keep the transaction secret — warning signs consumer protection officials say should raise concern.

Lisa LaBruno, executive director of the RILA Communities Foundation, which leads the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance, said the coordinated effort is meant to both deter criminals and empower consumers.

“It takes a village to combat gift card fraud,” LaBruno said. “By joining forces with attorneys general, we’re giving consumers tools to protect themselves and their loved ones.”

Consumer protection officials stress that legitimate government agencies and reputable companies will never request payment via gift cards. Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a gift card scam is encouraged to report it to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division, which uses reports to track criminal activity and build cases against fraud networks.