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Minnesota House of Representatives

State Representative Joe Atkins

583 State Office BuildingState Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
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Posted: 2012-11-20 00:00:00
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Black Friday Shoppers Should Be Careful Which Gift Cards They Buy

Minnesota’s “No Expiration” law only protects buyers of certain gift cards

Consumers who purchase gift cards with hidden fees or expiration dates could again fall victim to this year's biggest holiday rip-off. Expiration dates and fees erode the value of the cards, sometimes leaving the recipient with nothing.

Minnesota law now offers some important consumer protections for those who buy and receive gift cards. The law prohibits expiration dates and hidden fees on gift cards sold in our state. Other states across the country have followed suit. But the law only goes so far - and certain gift cards aren't covered under Minnesota law.

According to State Rep. Joe Atkins, chief author of Minnesota’s gift card law, holiday shoppers in Minnesota should:

1. Avoid cards issued by credit card companies and banks, which are subject to federal law and still can have fees and expiration dates.

2. Look closely at the card’s fine print. Even though it may look like it comes directly from the retailer, the small print may reveal it is a bank card with fees and an expiration date.

3. Avoid cards where you can see the number on the card before purchasing it - these cards are popular with cyber-thieves who use the number to make online purchases without having to buy the card.

This year, like every year, the most popular holiday gift in the nation will be a 3” x 2” piece of plastic — and you don't have to sleep in the parking lot to get one. According to the TowerGroup research firm, gift cards will be the top present again in 2012. Last year American consumers spent more than $100 billion on gift cards. And a recent BIGresearch study found that well over half of American adults would like to receive a gift card this holiday season.

But, if holiday shoppers don't pay attention, gift cards can soon become the gift that keeps on taking. That's why State Rep. Atkins worked with retailers to pass Minnesota's gift card law. Particularly in this challenging economy, it has never been more important to get what you pay for.

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