Giver beware

Sigh!

Do we really need laws to govern the spirit of giving? I guess so, which is why Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann's office was circulating this missive on Christmas Eve. HoHoHo!


Ohio’s Attorney General Has Tips For Returning Holiday Gifts

COLUMBUS – Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann says consumers have rights when it comes to exchanging holiday gifts but retailers can establish their own policies. The Attorney General also has some advice for people who receive gift cards this year.

In Ohio, businesses can create their own return policies as long as they don’t violate existing law and they clearly are posted for shoppers to see. Some businesses will give a store credit while others will give a cash refund. Some businesses only grant merchandise exchanges, and some stores have a no-return or "all sales final" policy. The Attorney General says it’s best to make sure you understand a store’s individual policy before you try to return gifts.

“Store exchange and return policies have become stricter,” said Attorney General Dann. “If you know where the gift was purchased, call the store and ask about the return policy. You also may be able to find return and exchange policies online,” he said. “It’s always best if you have a receipt.”

Attorney General Dann said that gift cards are more popular than ever and consumers have certain rights:
· A business cannot sell a gift card with an expiration date that is less than two years from the date the gift card was issued.
· No service charges or fees are allowed within two years of purchase, if they reduce the total value of the card when it was purchased.
· A gift card sold without an expiration date is valid until redeemed or replaced with a new gift card.

The Attorney general said there are many exceptions to gift card laws, especially if they are sold by a charity for fundraising or given by the store as a promotion.
“Just to be sure, check with the store,” said Dann.

If you have questions about your rights when returning merchandise or feel you have not been given a proper refund, call Attorney General Dann’s Help center at 1-877-AG4OHIO (l-877-244-6446) to ask questions or file a complaint.