Oklahoma law punishes gift card theft and fraud starting November 2026

The law treats knowingly and deliberately taking or keeping covered items without consent as theft. The rule covers prepaid gift cards for personal, family, or household use, purchased gift certificates, and their unique redemption information. Cards may be physical or virtual. The person must act without the cardholder’s or issuer’s consent. Upon conviction, the theft penalties in Section 1702 of Title 21 apply. The possession rule takes effect November 1, 2026.

The law treats knowingly and deliberately altering or tampering with covered items as third-degree forgery. The rule covers gift cards, gift certificates, and their packaging. The rule requires knowing and deliberate conduct. It does not expressly require an intent to defraud. Upon conviction, the third-degree forgery penalties referenced in Section 1621 of Title 21 apply. The tampering rule takes effect November 1, 2026.

The law treats knowingly and deliberately devising a scheme to obtain redemption information through deception as fraud. The rule covers the unique information used to redeem gift cards or gift certificates. The scheme must seek the information from a cardholder or issuer through false or fraudulent claims or promises. Upon conviction, the fraud penalties in Section 1541.1 of Title 21 apply. The fraud rule takes effect November 1, 2026.

The law treats knowingly and deliberately using gift cards or their redemption information obtained through prohibited possession or tampering as theft. This use rule covers gift cards and their redemption information. It does not expressly include gift certificates. The person must use the card or information to obtain money, goods, services, or something else of value. Upon conviction, Section 1702 theft penalties apply. If the total value obtained exceeds $950 in any consecutive six-month period, Section 1705 grand larceny penalties apply. The use rule and its $950 threshold take effect November 1, 2026.