ICYMI: WSJ Reports Criminals Made More Than $1 Billion From Text Scams
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, D.C. — The Wall Street Journal reported today on a billion-dollar scam that is linked to gift card fraud.
“The WSJ article highlights what retailers, gift card networks and law enforcement are up against in the fight against gift card fraud,” said Lisa LaBruno, Executive Director, RILA Communities Foundation. “The criminal enterprises operating these schemes are defrauding consumers, stealing their money and then buying gift cards to cover their tracks, making it much harder to follow the money and hold bad actors accountable. The Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance is bringing together retailers, state retail associations, gift card networks, law enforcement and consumer advocates to crack down on these scams and keep gift cards safe for gifts. If you receive a suspicious text, never click on the link and give out financial information. Report it to your local police, state AGs office and the FTC so law enforcement can build strong cases to hold these criminals accountable.”
As the 2025 holiday shopping season approaches, an alliance of leading retailers, card networks, and law enforcement agencies has launched a nationwide social media campaign to combat the alarming surge in gift card fraud. The campaign, led by the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance (GCFPA), aims to educate, empower, and protect consumers during the busiest shopping time of the year.
From October 1 through December 25, holiday shoppers will see daily tips and information on the latest scams on LinkedIn and Instagram platforms, spotlighting the tactics scammers use and steps every consumer can take to avoid falling victim. This collaborative effort marks a landmark partnership among industry giants, national and state retail associations, and public safety organizations, all dedicated to protecting the public from gift card-related crimes.
How to Get Involved
Consumers are encouraged to follow the RILA Communities Foundation on LinkedIn and @ProtectMyGiftCard on Instagram for daily tips and updates throughout the campaign. For more information or to report a scam, contact local law enforcement, state attorney general’s offices, or visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website.
Media Contact: For press inquiries, partnership opportunities, or campaign resources, please contact:
- Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance
- Email: [email protected]
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The Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance formed in 2024 and is part of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) Communities Foundation (RCF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, with a mission to promote, foster, and encourage the vibrancy of communities in which retailers operate by supporting efforts to advance economic health and public safety. RCF leads the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance (GCFPA) which was created to educate lawmakers and the public about gift card fraud, enhance collaboration among the private and public sectors to investigate criminal activity, and drive innovation to combat fraud.
