By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-800177.mp3
Cheektowaga, NY – Western New Yorkers are being warned of the pitfalls of buying gift cards this holiday season.
By the end of this year, consumers will have spent $88 billion worth of gift cards. It's estimated that Western New Yorkers will buy $24 million in gift cards.
US Senator Charles Schumer says a gift card is certainly a great options when you don't know what to buy. But during an appearance at the Walden Galleria Wednesday, he said consumers are often unaware that some gift cards include hidden fees, expiration dates and declining values. Schumer said shoppers need to ask stores questions.
Schumer is introducing the Fair Gift Card Act that he would like it in place by the holiday season next year.
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