The Georgia Attorney General's Office joined the Innovative Payments Association, American Transaction Processors Coalition and InComm Payments in November 2024 to issue holiday shopping fraud guidance. The collaboration addressed both consumers and retailers, including the handling of gift card purchases.

The warning signs described included demands for money to receive a prize, pressure to act immediately, threats involving a relative or alleged arrest, and insistence on payment by gift card, prepaid card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency. The partners also highlighted offers to recover money lost to a scam in return for another fee.

For gift card purchases, the guidance recommended examining the packaging for signs of interference. Examples included glue residue, tears, handwritten marks and scratch-off labels that were missing, damaged or misaligned. An apparently empty package was another reason to investigate before purchase.

The partners advised keeping the receipt and including it when giving a card to someone else. On receipt, the card should be examined for altered or missing numbers, dates or security codes, with problems reported through the card's customer care contact.

The announcement recommended using the balance-checking website printed on the card and reporting unrecognised transactions promptly. It also encouraged people who suspected a scam to contact the relevant financial, transfer or gift card provider as soon as possible.

The broader online-shopping advice covered reputable sellers, correctly spelled website addresses and care before entering information. Resources for older adults included Georgia's consumer protection guide and the FTC's Pass It On campaign, with advice for retail staff to recognise possible scams.

InComm described technology, packaging and transaction monitoring as parts of its own prevention work. The joint campaign's purpose was to combine those industry measures with practical steps shoppers and store employees could take during the 2024 holiday season.