To better protect consumers from gift card fraud, the Center for Data Innovation calls on Congress and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to encourage better security and liability protections for gift cards, increase public awareness of gift card scams, and improve data collection on incidents of gift card fraud for law enforcement agencies.

With Gift Card Scams on the Rise, New Report Urges Reforms

A new report from the FTC shows that gift card fraud continues to harm Americans. Policymakers and retailers need better data about this problem to address it.

The FTC Should Improve Data Collection to Mitigate Gift Card Scams

Congress should accelerate the adoption of mobile payment technology by standardizing banking regulations, encouraging new services through fintech regulatory sandboxes, and facilitating mobile payment options for such government services as transit. 

To Do: Accelerate Adoption of Mobile Payments

The government should spur the supply of e-IDs by directing a federal agency to offer them to U.S. residents for a reasonable fee.

To Do: Offer Electronic IDs to People Who Want Them

Congress should amend and the administration should use Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to target digital trade issues.

To Do: Update Section 301 of the Trade Act for the Digital Economy

Enforcement of digital copyrights would lead to a stronger Internet ecosystem and more innovative consumer services.

Better Enforcement of Online Copyright Would Help, Not Harm, Consumers

Before allowing states to tax online sales, Congress should first require states to eliminate protectionist laws limiting e-commerce.

Closing the E-Commerce Sales Tax Loophole

Because USPS has expressed concern that immediate refusal and return of inbound shipments containing goods not accompanied by AED will disrupt inbound mail, CBP should consider seeking a congressional extension to December 2021 for full AED compliance, but make clear that it will not seek further extensions.

Comments to CBP On Mandatory Advance Electronic Information for International Mail Shipments

Congress should establish an e-government modernization fund for federal, state, and local agencies to upgrade their IT systems.

To Do: Extend Consumer Protections for Gift Cards

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How Policymakers Can Prevent Gift Card Scams

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With Gift Card Scams on the Rise, New Report Urges Reforms

The FTC Should Improve Data Collection to Mitigate Gift Card Scams

To Do: Accelerate Adoption of Mobile Payments