​Stop Gift Card Scams: What Maryland Retailers Need to Know

If you're selling gift cards in Maryland, there are some important changes coming for retailers that you need to know. A new law (Senate Bill 760 (2024 session)) is being rolled out to help protect consumers from gift card scams.

What's Changing 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 Help?

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: giftcards@oag.state.md.us​
  
• Phone: 410-528-8662

For legal definitions of gift card types, see Commercial Law §14-4601​ (https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2024RS/chapters_noln/Ch_463_sb0​​760E.pdf)​

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