Billboards: Buying gun for someone else can be a crime

TAMPA (FOX13) - A new campaign has kicked off in Tampa Bay reminding people not to "lie for the other guy" when it comes to buying guns for someone who legally can't buy a weapon themselves.

The program includes billboards, radio and TV ads across the Bay area reminding the public that buying a gun for someone else who can't is a crime punishable by 10 years in prison.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is running the campaign along with a gun retailer trade group. The push comes just as President Obama is expected to announce executive action aimed at tightening gun restrictions.

President Obama will likely use an executive order to require smaller gun dealers to run background checks, something they often can avoid at gun shows. The measures may also include restrictions on guns for people who have committed domestic abuse offenses.

The President is meeting with Attorney General Loretta Lynch Monday and is expected to announce the executive measures this week.