Oregon Attorney General joins nationwide effort to warn consumers about gift card scams

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ)-- As holiday shoppers exchange and purchase gift cards this season, Oregon’s top consumer watchdog is urging everyone to be on alert.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, along with attorneys general from 13 other states, has joined the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance to launch a series of public service announcements aimed at helping people spot scams before they lose money.

Here’s part of A.G. Rayfield’s PSA:
"Here's what you can do. Inspect packaging to ensure that its seal in 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."

The Attorney General’s Office says scammers who know a card’s PIN can track it online and drain the funds as soon as money is loaded. Some scammers also use emails, text messages, or fake websites to trick people into revealing gift card numbers.

Officials stress that government agencies and legitimate businesses will never demand payment via gift cards. Consumers should treat any request for “urgent” or “secret” transactions as red flags.

Oregon residents can find more resources and report suspected fraud through the Attorney General’s website or by visiting protectmygiftcard.com