Gift cards

May 6, 2008 -- The Internal Revenue Service has begun giving qualifying taxpayers rebate checks. And some retailers are competing to get your rebate check by offering to sell you gift cards. What is the incentive to buy a gift card? Stores are offering gift cards worth 10%-17% more than your rebate check.

However, West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw warns consumers about purchasing one of these gift cards. Many of the retailers require you to use the entire rebate check to purchase the gift card.

"If you put all the money towards a gift card, you won’t have any money left to spend at another store, pay off debt or save," said Attorney General McGraw.    » read more »

December 20, 2007 -- New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly A. Ayotte issued a warning today to New Hampshire consumers to be cautious when purchasing gift cards. New Hampshire’s Consumer Protection Act states that gift certificates may not expire, and that service charges, dormancy fees, or other administrative charges that reduce the value of the gift certificate are forbidden.    » read more »

November 23, 2007 -- Chicago – With gift cards expected to be among the top choices for gifts this holiday season, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is urging holiday shoppers to be informed about gift card sales requirements before making a purchase.    » read more »

November 20, 2007 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today called for passage of a three-bill package that would strengthen existing consumer protections on gift cards and gift certificates. The legislative package, introduced by Democrats in the House, would prevent retailers from charging inactivity fees or service fees on gift cards and gift certificates, prevent the terms of a gift card or gift certificate from being changed after it is issued, and ensure that gift cards and gift certificates are valid for five full years from the date of issuance.    » read more »

November 21, 2007 -- BOSTON - Today, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley offered the following advice to consumers to protect themselves as they kick off the holiday shopping season this Friday. Shop wisely and remember important consumer tips so that you don’t end up with unnecessary headaches come January.

1. What Are My Rights If I Purchase A Gift Card?    » read more »