November 30, 2009 | 3 Comments
As usual, California just has to be different.
The rash of bankruptcies and other difficulties facing the state have led to changes and reinforcements of laws applying to gift cards in California. Since this is the season when the majority of gift cards are purchased, Gift Card Granny thought it a good time to examine these laws for California's shoppers.
For a state-by-state detailing of gift-card consumer protection laws visit the Consumer Union web site.
1. Gift Cards: California law protects those who give and receive gift-cards from fees related to expiration dates and dormancy, but it's important to understand when such protections apply and when they don't. Consumer protections vary depending on both the type of business from which the card was purchased and on the type of merchandise or service for which the card is used. Both Californian and federal law prohibit the sale of gift cards and certificates in a deceptive manner, so the company or person selling the card can't conceal fees, conditions or restrictions.
November 20, 2009 | Add a Comment
After a bumpy start, major booksellers are now allowing e-book owners to use gift cards for content purchases. While such gift cards make great presents, e-book readers also buy gift cards themselves to make purchases of less than $1, which can clutter credit cards.
November 13, 2009 | 1 Comment
Visa gift cards can be used at most stores or to even pay your bills. But they're different from store gift cards in that a cashier can't check the balance before you make a purchase. It's important to know the balance before making a purchase or you may be stuck paying out-of-pocket to cover the remaining balance on a transaction. Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits all answer, as the method of checking your balance depends on who issued the gift card. Fortunately, you can check your balance in several ways.
Where to Start: First look at the back of the gift card for information on how to check the balance for that particular card. Visa gift cards are issued by many different banks and entities, so you'll have to follow instructions specific to that card. Many have Web sites or toll-free phone numbers you can call for detailed information. You'll need both the PIN that came with the gift-card packet and the number of your account. If you've lost your PIN, check with the vendor from whom the card was purchased. A representative can look up your account number and tell you the balance.
November 6, 2009 | 1 Comment
Does the idea of simply handing over a gift card to a friend leave you cold? Statistics show people love receiving gift cards for Christmas, but you can warm up this simplest-of-all gifts by personalizing the gift-card holder.
For those without time, a glue gun and dedicated craft room, we've assembled the following 21 ideas for dressing up your gift cards. Some are so easy you should already have the makings on hand or can buy them at your local thrift or dollar store.
1. Sock it to 'em: Wrap a gift card inside a pair of socks, gloves or slippers that can either be re-purposed or are so hideous they'll be recycled for next year's gift cards.
Read MoreNovember 5, 2009 | Add a Comment
It sounds fairly innocent. Grandma gives her grandson an iTunes gift card for Christmas but he doesn't have an iPod, so he re-sells it on eBay. Being a sweet young thing (or just stupid), he's selling the gift card for $10 off its face value.
It's difficult to pass up such a deals when we seem them, but it turns out iTunes gift cards are one of the most heavily stolen gift cards sold on eBay, and this is the most commonly used come on. Reports indicate many iTunes gift cards sold on eBay in bulk were bought with a stolen credit card and are being sold through hacked eBay accounts.
iTunes apparently doesn't think these sales are as harmless as it appears at first blush and is cracking down not on the sellers but on those who use fraudulent gift cards. Here's everything you need to know to avoid getting caught up in this iTunes gift card scam:
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