Simon Malls offers a “gift card which sounds like a good idea.
“A gift card gives both the recipient and the gift giver complete flexibility and convenience. The gift card recipient can choose where they want to use their gift card. And the gift giver doesn’t have to go from store to store looking for just the right gift.”
Unfortunately, it is NOT a good idea. Simon is being sued across the country by numerous State Attorneys General due to deceptive practices. The cards are subject to all sorts of undisclosed fees and limitations.
“These ‘gift cards’ are riddled with additional charges that Massachusetts consumers should not have to pay,” Massachusetts Attorney General Tom Reilly said. “Despite the name, these gift cards are not what they seem.”
“Simon Property fails to tell the truth, when it subtracts $2.50 a month from consumer gift cards six months or older,” Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said.
“Simon illegally picks its customers’ pockets to reactivate cards with unused balances.”
I should point out that Simon is not the only company accused of this sort of fraud.
Let the buyer beware.