Gift Card Scam

How to Spot and Avoid Gift Card Scams: A Consumer Alert Gift cards are convenient gifts, but they have also become a favorite tool for scammers. In December 2025, Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued an alert warning District residents about a surge in gift card scams targeting consumers across Washington, D.C. His office joined a growing chorus of law enforcement agencies urging people to recognize the warning signs before they lose money. ...

Gift Card Scams: How to Spot Them and What to Do If someone you don’t know calls, emails, or texts you and demands payment with a gift card, it is a scam. No legitimate company, government agency, or utility will ever ask you to buy a gift card and read them the numbers on the back. ...

The Gift Card Trap: How to Spot a Scam Before You Pay Another urgent alert from a government office lands in the news, warning about a relentless wave of fraud. This time, it’s District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb issuing a clear warning to residents about gift card scams. While the alert is local, the threat is universal. These scams have become a favorite tool for criminals, and understanding how they work is your first line of defense. ...

How to Recognize and Avoid Gift Card Scams Gift cards are a convenient way to give a present or make a purchase, but their very convenience has made them a top tool for scammers. Recently, Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a consumer alert warning District of Columbia residents about the sharp rise in fraud involving gift cards. The core warning is universal: legitimate organizations and government agencies will never demand payment via gift card. Understanding how these scams work is the first step in protecting yourself and your money. ...