Treasurer Fitzgerald Offers Tips to Protect Your Gift Cards

DES MOINES, IA (12/08/2016)(readMedia)-- Over the years, gift cards have become one of the most popular gift items to give and receive. State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald wants Iowa consumers to make sure they take full advantage of their gift cards. "Each year, gift cards go unused because the cards are lost or forgotten," Fitzgerald stated. "Prompt usage of gift cards reduces the likelihood it will be lost or stolen, and eliminates the need to worry about expiration dates and fees that can reduce its value." Whether you give or receive a gift card this holiday season, these tips can help protect the value of the card throughout the year:

• Treat a gift card like cash.
• Give the original receipt to the recipient in the event it is needed to replace a lost or stolen gift card.
• Buy gift cards from reputable retailers where you know the recipient will shop.
• Use the card as soon as possible. Verify if the card has an expiration date or fees that reduce the card's value over time.

"We encourage retailers to honor all gift cards they sell, even those that have expired," said Fitzgerald. "In doing so, retailers stay on friendly terms with their customers."

Consumers with questions or concerns regarding an expired gift card a retailer will not honor are encouraged to contact the state treasurer's office. Please provide a copy of the gift card and a brief letter stating the circumstances of the complaint. The information can be sent to the address below or emailed to upreport@iowa.gov.

Michael L. Fitzgerald

Treasurer of the State of Iowa

Unclaimed Property Reporting Desk

State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa 50319

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