Stopping Gift Card Scams: ​​​​​​​A Guide for Maryland Retailers

What's Chan​ging and When

For sellers of Open Loop Gift Cards (usable at multiple merchants):

• ​You must comply by June 1, 2025

For sellers of Closed Loop Gift Cards (usable at a single merchant or related merchants):

• You must comply by October 1, 2025
  

Your Three​​​ Main Responsibilities

​1.  Secure Packaging Required
Gift cards must be sold in secure packaging that:

• Is sealed in a manner that would show if it has been tampered with; and
• Conceals all numeric codes specific to activation or redemption.​

2.  Display the Warning Notice

You'll need to prominently display the official warning notice:

• In physical stores: Place it near your gift card displays or at checkout
• For online sales: Show it on your gift card page or during checkout

The notice warns customers that gift cards:

• Are often requested in scams
• Can't be used to pay debts, taxes, or legal fees
• Should be reported to authorities if fraud is suspected
  

All employees who regularly handle gift card sales must be trained on:

• Spotting potential gift card fraud
• Following proper response procedures

Need Hel​​p?

The Consumer Protection Division has created everything you need:

• A ready-to-use warning notice in both English​ and Spanish​​
  
• Comprehensive fraud prevention guidelines​
  

​Questions? We're here to help!

• Email: [email protected]​
  
• Phone: 410-528-8662
  

For legal definitions of gift card types, see Commercial Law §14-4601​.