How to Avoid Gift Card Scams: Essential Safety Tips

Don’t Let a Gift Card Scam Empty Your Wallet: What to Know An official alert from the District of Columbia Attorney General’s office is putting residents—and everyone else—on high alert. Attorney General Brian Schwalb recently warned the public about the persistent threat of gift card scams, a favorite tool of fraudsters that shows no sign of going away. While the warning is local, the threat is universal. These scams trick people into willingly handing over their hard-earned money, often under pressure and with little chance of getting it back. Understanding how these cons work is your first and best line of defense. ...

April 3, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk