Gift cards are a popular gift during the holidays, and the province’s Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority is offering some tips to protect consumers. Executive Director of the Consumer Protection Division, Denny Huyghebaert says under the Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act, businesses cannot charge extra fees such as activation fees or added service fees, like monthly fees to purchase or use a gift card. He says fees are only allowed in certain circumstances, such as when a card is lost or stolen or if a card if someone wants to customize their card.
Huyghebaert says the act also bans retail businesses from having an expiration date. Huyghebaert recommends using gift cards promptly, as there can be benefits, especially if a retailer were to go out of business. He suggests it would be a challenge to get monies or full value for a gift card as they would have to contact the trustee and bankruptcy for assistance.
Huyghebaert says it’s also important for shoppers to protect themselves if using gift cards online. Typically he says a padlock sign on a website’s URL bar is a good sign that the data being transferred has been encrypted. He recommends also reviewing return or exchange policies on websites, making sure the currency is in Canadian dollars, and to check shipping and handling costs. Huyghebaert also suggests if you’re unfamiliar with a business to check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure the supplier is a reliable seller.
More tips on using gift cards can be found here.
