CT warns consumers to use gift cards promptly

Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection is urging consumers to use holiday gift cards as soon as possible in order to minimize risk.

Gift cards issued in Connecticut do not expire, but they’re virtually useless if an issuing business closes, Consumer Protection Commissioner Jonathan A. Harris says. Once that happens, it can be difficult to recover funds for unused cards, he added.

Complaints about gift cards have gone down slightly this year from 36 in 2015 to 29 in 2016.

Laws related to gift cards can seem complicated. Some key tips include:

• Be aware of whether a gift card is covered by federal law or Connecticut state law because it affects the cardholder’s rights;
• If Connecticut state law applies, then the gift certificate or gift card may not have an expiration date or inactivity fee;
• Fees, if any, must be disclosed.

For more details about gift card rules and regulations, visit DCP’s page.