AG Schwalb issued the below Consumer Alert warning District residents to be on the lookout for gift card scams this holiday season. The alert provides details on common tactics that scammers use, tips on how to avoid falling victim to a gift card scam, and instructions on what residents should do if they believe they have been scammed. 

“This holiday season, District residents should watch out for sophisticated gift card ‘draining’ scams that prey on shoppers who like to give gift cards as holiday presents. Unlike traditional scams that focus on manipulating victims into revealing personal information, these scams involve draining the gift cards of the funds loaded on to them without the scammers even having to contact their victims. Anyone who believes they have been scammed should immediately reach out to local law enforcement.” – AG Schwalb