Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has teamed up with attorneys general from 13 other states to launch a public service announcement campaign aimed at protecting consumers from the growing threat of gift card scams.
In her PSA, Nessel says there are criminal organizations dedicated to ripping people off through the use of gift cards. She says this could affect just about everyone.
“More than 60% of consumers buy gift cards as holiday gifts,” Nessel said. “While gift cards are safe, we want you to be on the lookout.”
Nessel had some tips for buying or using a gift card safely.
“Inspect packaging to ensure it’s sealed and the pin is covered. Only check balances at the official retailer’s site. Never pay a debt or claim a prize with a gift card and report gift card fraud to my office.”
Nessel says gift card scams often involve fraudsters impersonating trusted organizations or individuals and pressuring victims to purchase gift cards and share the codes.
The PSAs will run December 26 through January 31, 2026, and feature a unified message from state AGs that gift cards are safe while urging consumers to remain vigilant against gift card scams.
