Consumer affairs dept. offers timely reminders

Credit cards and gift certificates are the gift of choice for many people during the holiday season. If you will be purchasing a gift card or planning to redeem one, the Monmouth County Department of Consumer Affairs has some timely reminders to help you make the best use of your holiday dollars this season.

Redeem your gift card or gift certificate as soon as possible. Gift cards and gift certificates are valid for at least 24 months after purchase, but after 24 months a retailer can charge a fee, not to exceed $2 per month. This rule does not apply to bank-issued cards that can be redeemed at an automatic teller machine or at a merchant.

Some gift cards may not be used to purchase items online. Be sure to read the fine print. It can make a big difference in how someone redeems your gift.

If you find yourself with a gift card or gift certificate for a company or retailer that is no longer in business, remember that a new business owner is not obligated to honor the gift card you purchased from the previous owner. If you find yourself in this situation, contact the Department of Consumer Affairs for assistance.

If you place a deposit or started a layaway purchase on merchandise, make sure you know the specific terms of your deposit or layaway agreement. An order cancellation or late payment can be difficult. Also, if the business suddenly closes, your investment may be lost.

"Many consumers call to say their favorite restaurant or nail salon is under new ownership, and they can't use their gift certificate," said Patricia Watson, director of the Department of Consumer Affairs. "Or, they may find that the furniture store where they recently placed an order is now empty. The Consumer Affairs staff may be able to provide assistance. We are ready, willing and able to meet consumers and help them resolve all sorts of consumer-related issues."

Additional information about consumer affairs programs can be found on the Monmouth County Internet website at www.visitmonmouth. com or by calling 732-431-7900. The office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Consumer Affairs department is a law enforcement agency, created and funded by the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders. It protects against consumer fraud and dishonest and unscrupulous business practices by enforcing the state Consumer Fraud Act and other regulations.

"Beyond the winter holidays, the ConsumerAffairs staff is available to assist consumers who believe they may have been a victim of fraud or unfair business practices," Watson said.

"The county's Consumer Affairs office enforces consumer laws and helps people whether violations are present or not," said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the department. "Each year the department mediates more than 1,000 complaints and recovers more than $500,000 for consumers. This is one of the many important ways the county is able to assist residents."

Mediation includes letters, telephone calls, emails, faxes and informal conferences with businesses. If a business is uncooperative and does not appear as scheduled, the department has the authority to subpoena, a function coordinated with the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office.

The department also maintains a "complaint history" on all reported businesses, which can be helpful to consumers who are considering an agreement or transaction with a local business. If there is an active file, the information may be very valuable, Watson said.