Always remember when something appears too good to be true ... more than likely it is. According to Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, another scam has popped up in the Natural State this time dealing with gift card fraud. 

"Beware of mail items that appear to offer vouchers or gift cards, especially offering deals. Some fraudulent offers may pose as holiday promotions or contests or offer a free gift card. The letters often look as if the company is sending a generous gift to their loyal customers. In order to activate the card, you must call a provided phone number. The person on the other end of the phone call may begin asking personal questions about your finances. Never provide your personal information to an unknown party or untrustworthy website," according to Rutledge. 

Rutledge provides the following tips to prevent gift card fraud:

• Never provide personal information in response to an unsolicited request, whether it is over the phone or internet;
• Do not respond to unsolicited mail offering free gift cards;
• See the Attorney General's 2016 consumer alert; and 
• Read the Federal Trade Commission's gift card scam tips.

How to report suspected gift card scams:

• If it is a scam in connection to a Walmart gift card, send an email with the information regarding the fake gift card to abuse@walmart.com. The email abuse team will then work with authorities to put an end to the particular scam. Walmart urges their customers to review their privacy policy; and 
• You may file a complaint, providing all relevant information, at IC3.gov.

"If you have fallen victim to such a scam and given out your personal account information, contact your financial institution immediately to protect your accounts, block your cards, fill out a fraud affidavit and take other protective measures to protect your identity," she explained.

More information about gift card scams can be found at www.IC3.gov.