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Haven't Used Gift Cards in 2 Years? NJ Will Grab Them

3 companies stop selling gift cards in state thanks to new law

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 6, 2012 1:50 PM CDT

(Newser) – Three gift card companies will no longer do business in New Jersey thanks to a law allowing the state to claim the value of cards if they are not redeemed within two years. American Express removed its cards last week, and yesterday Blackhawk Network and InComm—both of which provide gift cards to malls and other stores—said they will follow suit unless the law is reversed.

The companies aren't taking a stand, they just think it's too difficult to comply with the changes to the state's unclaimed property law, which requires gift card sellers to get ZIP codes from buyers in order to ensure the state can claim the value. The collection of ZIP codes had been suspended by a federal judge, but the injunction was lifted last month and the case is still pending, the AP reports.

In this 2008 file photo, gift cards for various retailers are offered for sale at a supermarket in Omaha, Neb.
In this 2008 file photo, gift cards for various retailers are offered for sale at a supermarket in Omaha, Neb.   (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 16 comments
Plato
Apr 7, 2012 3:04 PM CDT
 I have always thought gift cards were a bad idea to give as a present to anyone.  It forces the recipient to cash them in at that particular store.  I have relatives that used to give me gift cards at Christmas.  I respectively ask them not to give me any more gift cards.  I described to them my favorite teas, cheeses, wines and fruitcakes and requested they consider them instead.  { Yes damn it, I like a 'good' fruitcake }.  It you can't decide what to give someone then just give them money, they can spend it where they like, that's what I do.
Tology
Apr 7, 2012 6:48 AM CDT
With all the wealthy people in New Jersey (real housewives)  why does the state need money, don't these people pay taxes?
river291
Apr 6, 2012 9:18 PM CDT
It is called the law of escheat, and it's legitimate. If the state doesn't take unclaimed property, then whoever has it keeps it--in this case, the card issuer. And isn't that really what the issuer is hoping for? You will lose your card, or leave it in a coat pocket, or forget you have it, or toss it if you have a really small balance? If the state takes the money it will give back to you when you prove it is yours. Unclaimed airline miles should be the same.
 

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