PHOENIX -
The ATF is tackling straw buying -- when someone who can buys a firearm for someone who can't -- like a felon for example. And they're sending that message to valley residents in a big way.
The ATF is working with the National Shooting Sports Foundation, putting billboards up all around town.
The campaign is actually about 10 years old, but this message is just recently popping up around the valley. And even those who strongly support the second amendment believe you shouldn't "lie for the other guy."
40th Street and McDowell Road is a busy intersection. High above the traffic is a billboard -- a reminder not to lie for the other guy.
"Felons those who have been convicted of crimes or have restraining order against them or who are mentally unstable should not be able to buy firearms, and our industry across the board favors those prohibitions," says Michael Bazinet, spokesperson for NSSF.
Bazinet told us there are 208 billboards across the valley, and more than 300 radio spots running.
"If you try to purchase a gun for someone who can't, you can buy yourself ten years in jail."
The campaign has made its way to every gun dealer in town.
"I keep the posters on the wall, I pointed to it, told the customer, I said this is what you guys are looking at, if you want to do this kind of a deal," says PJ Gonzales, owner of Arizona Firearms in Tempe.
Federal law requires every customer to fill out a form 4473 before selling them a gun. In Arizona, if you have a CCW, you do not have to go through a NICS background check.
"There's no sale worth the penalties we would face, plus as a society thing we don't want guns getting in the wrong hands either."
Gonzales has participated in the "don't lie campaign" for years and thinks the billboards are a good reminder. So do members of the 2nd amendment rally of Arizona Support Group.
"I am against registration of our guns and I'm against any alterations of our second amendment but I do believe that we need stricter laws to make sure that guns do stay in the law abiding citizens' hands," says Holly Murphy.
"A fire arm like eligibility card shouldn't be an issue, politicians would love it they can charge a fee for it," says Michael Smith.
The campaign is nationwide.
Online: www.dontlie.org
