Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or considering to return that not-so-perfect present, make the most of the holiday season by following these tips from the Better Business Bureau:
What to know about gift cards
If you’re pressed for time or the person you’re buying for is hard to shop for, a gift card can be the perfect gift.
Know whom you are buying from – Lesser-known websites advertise gift cards for popular retailers at steep discounts, but these websites might be using these offers to steal payment card numbers or other personal information. Instead, go directly to the merchant and purchase a card from them.
Buying a physical gift card? Take a closer look. No matter where gift cards are displayed in the store, thieves are known to remove gift cards from the display rack and record the numbers associated with that card, including the activation PIN. Before purchasing a gift card, look carefully at the packaging for any tears, wrinkles, or other indications of tampering, and see if the PIN is exposed. If anything looks suspicious, it’s probably best to take a different card and turn in the compromised card to the store’s Customer Service Desk.
Research how to use the card – Not all retailers have the same policies when issuing a gift card. Double- check the terms and conditions on the type of gift card purchased.
Be wary of websites that offer to check your gift card balance – According to BBB.org/ScamTracker reports, some websites that claim to check your gift card balance are really a way to steal money off your card. These sites ask for the ID number and PIN or security code of your card. Then, scammers use the information to drain the money off your card.
Register your gift card – If the retailer allows the option to register the gift card, take full advantage. This makes it easier to protect the balance, that way you can report it sooner and potentially end up saving the money that is stored on the card. Change the PIN on the card, and don’t delay in using the money. The longer a card sits around, the more likely a cybercriminal will steal its balance.
Treat it like cash – If the card is lost or stolen, report it to the issuer immediately. Most issuers have toll-free telephone numbers to report a lost or stolen card—find it on the card or online.
Holiday returns and exchanges
Stores are not legally required to accept exchanges or give refunds, unless the merchandise was defective or misrepresented. While most retailers do offer refund and exchange programs, policies vary greatly from one store to another. Fortunately for shoppers, one positive outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic is that many retailers have become more lenient in their return policies. However, be sure to double-check policies this holiday season, even if you are familiar with the brand, as stores can change their policies whenever they want.
These tips can help make your holiday returns run more smoothly.
Get to know store policies – Before you make a purchase, find out if the store has a return policy and, if so, how it works. Understand that many retailers change their policies for the holiday season. Store policies are usually posted at the check-out counter or printed on the back of receipts.
Understand online store return policies – If you are shopping online, search for the seller’s return policy and read it through before clicking “buy.” Find out if they accept returns or exchanges, and who pays the shipping when an item is returned. In some cases, you can save on shipping fees by returning an online purchase to the local brick-and-mortar store.
Get the details on a product’s warranty – Most electronics and home appliances come with warranties that are to be fulfilled with the manufacturer, not the retailer. Find out how returns and repairs are handled if an item stops working or needs replacement parts.
Keep your receipts and packaging – Most stores will only accept returns and exchanges if you can present the item with its receipt and original packaging. Always include a gift receipt with items you give, and hold on to any gift receipts you receive.
Bring your ID – To avoid holiday return scams, many stores ask to see your ID when you return an item. Sometimes retailers require you bring your ID and the original form of payment.
Make returns in a timely fashion – Almost all return policies are valid during a specific time period. Some stores modify their return period during the holidays, so don’t risk missing your chance to make your return.
(WATCH: Don’t fall for ‘secret shopper’ scam)
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