As part of a multi-channel #GiftSmart campaign, the association has tips for shoppers to help identify gift card tampering and be better equipped to spot fraud and scams

To help protect consumers this winter holiday shopping season, the Retail Gift Card Association (RGCA), the nonprofit trade association representing the closed-loop gift card industry, has launched a national consumer education campaign aimed at helping consumers have positive gifting experiences.

Via its GiftCardSafety.org website, the RGCA will provide consumers, media and other entities with expert-informed tips and recommended best practices for how to spot gift card tampering, avoid scams, report crimes involving gift cards, and ensure the best gift card experiences possible.

Gift cards have been the most requested gift in America for nearly two decades. People love them, but they’ve also attracted the attention of criminals.

“As an industry, we’re very focused on safeguarding every aspect of the gift card journey, starting with how a gift card is packaged and then across all the transactions that follow,” said Kim Sobasky, RGCA spokesperson. “And even though fraud impacts a small fraction of cards sold, brands want to eliminate it all together.”

Sobasky further explained that to achieve this goal, the RGCA continues to collaborate with stakeholders along the entire supply chain, like card processors and manufacturers, as well as government agencies and law enforcement.

“This holiday season, shoppers will likely see new and improved gift card packaging, specifically designed to add more security and allow consumers to more easily recognize signs of tampering.”

The RGCA’s new fraud-fighting resources are available at GiftCardSafety.org, and are currently being shared across the country.

The RGCA’s Gift Smart tips for shoppers this holiday season include:

• Check physical gift cards for signs of tampering before you buy them. Inspect gift cards and packaging closely and look for the slightest signs of manipulation like PIN scratch-offs or labels that are missing pieces or are fully missing, are not flat and smooth, or contain wrinkles.
• Buy gift cards directly from trusted sources and known brands, especially when you buy them online.
• Always keep your original purchase receipt AND ask for an additional gift receipt for the recipient.
• Think twice if you find a deal that seems too good to be true AND is from an unknown source or site.
• Only send physical gift cards via trackable shipping methods.
• And when opting for the convenience of an eGift Card, take care to accurately input the recipient’s email and carefully review your confirmation and purchase receipt.

The #GiftSmart campaign will reach consumers of all demographics with targeted messaging aired on national television, regional radio stations across the country, and social media. For more information, visit GiftCardSafety.org.

About the Retail Gift Card Association (RGCA)

The Retail Gift Card Association is the nonprofit trade association that represents the closed-loop gift card industry. The association’s mission is to protect, promote and enhance the use of retail gift cards as forms of branded currency and stored value solutions that enable, enrich, and encourage commerce. All RGCA members abide by a Code of Principles that supports consumer-friendly policies for the purchase and redemption of closed-loop gift cards. RGCA’s membership is comprised of retailers from all sectors, including restaurants, general merchandise, apparel, sporting and leisure, as well as non-retailers. For more information, visit us at thergca.org.

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