As Missouri families work hard to provide a meaningful Christmas for their loved ones, a different kind of “worker” is clocking in for the season: the professional scammer.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued a stern warning, reminding Christmas shoppers that while the season is a time for generosity, it’s also a prime time for criminals looking to siphon off Missourians’ hard-earned money. 

“As families across Missouri prepare for the holidays, criminals are preparing too, and they are counting on people being distracted or rushed,” said Attorney General Hanaway. “Our Office will not tolerate scammers who prey on hardworking Missourians, especially during a time of year that should be marked by generosity and joy. We are here to help, and we will continue doing everything we can to protect consumers and shut down fraudulent schemes.”

Gift card fraud has become a preferred tool for criminals because it bypasses the traditional safeguards of the banking system. These scams often involve bad actors impersonating authority figures, such as government officials or utility providers.

Hanaway is offering the following tips to help Missourians spot and avoid these scams:

• Scammers create false emergencies. They will claim something terrible will happen unless you act immediately. Slow down. If someone demands payment by gift card, it’s a scam.
  
• Scammers tell you exactly which gift card to buy and where to buy it. They may direct you to Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, or ask for specific cards like Google Play, Apple, Amazon, or eBay. Some even stay on the phone while you shop. Hang up. It’s a scam.
• Scammers will ask for the gift card number and PIN. Once you give those numbers or send a photo, the scammer can drain the funds instantly, even if the card never leaves your hand. Do not share those numbers. It’s a scam.

If you have already purchased a gift card and given someone the numbers, you should:

• Report the scam to the gift card company immediately.
• Ask if reimbursement is possible. Some retailers have begun offering support to victims when fraud is caught quickly.

For those who have already been targeted, Hanaway’s office is urging immediate action. Reporting the fraud to the retailer and the Attorney General’s office is essential not just for getting your money back, but to help law enforcement track and dismantle the criminal network of scammers.