The IT Nerd

Last week the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC), in collaboration with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Hays County District Attorney’s Office, and the Hays County Proactive Unit, successfully dismantled a sophisticated organized gift card tampering operation. 

The multi-phase investigation resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of 11,563 gift cards. Based on the total potential value of the recovered cards, authorities estimate the operation prevented approximately $5,699,650 in financial losses to consumers.  

The Texas Retailers Association successfully advocated for the passage of SB 1809, which went into effect on September 1, 2025, creating the offense of gift card fraud and establishing penalties based on the number of unactivated gift cards in an individual’s possession. To date, close to 20 states have passed similar laws or are awaiting Governor signatures.  

Learn more https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/media/pressrelease/2026-04-29-gift-card-scheme.pdf  

The Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance (GCFPA) today announced 14 state attorneys general (AGs) from across the United States have come together to launch a nationwide public service announcement (PSA) aimed at educating consumers about the threat of gift card fraud. This collaborative effort comes as millions of Americans prepare to redeem gift cards received during the holiday season—a prime opportunity for scammers to target unsuspecting individuals.

You can watch the PSA below:

The PSAs will run December 26, 2025, 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. The campaign highlights common fraud tactics, offers tips for safe gift card usage, and encourages the public to immediately report any incidents of gift card fraud to their respective state attorney general offices.

The GCFPA and participating AGs urge consumers to reject unsolicited demands for gift card payments, refrain from sharing gift card numbers or PINs with untrusted sources, check gift card balances only through retailers’ official websites and inspect packaging for signs of tampering. Consumers whose gift cards are drained or have been scammed should report the incident to their state attorney general’s office.

Participating AGs include:

For more information about the PSA campaign and resources on preventing gift card fraud, please visit the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance website or your state attorney general’s official page.