MAGNOLIA GAZETTE ,

MAGNOLIA, MS
= 1700
C~rcule~on I

BBB: What to do about barkrur>tretailers

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2 - As a result of the .Goods or ser- bankruptcy court. situations, the courts
declining economy, an vices due. Unfortunate- .Warranties. make decisions on
increasing number of ly, under bankruptcy Validity of outstanding whether the business
retailers are closing their laws, consumers are a t warranties is different in must honor gift cards or
doors and leaving shop- the back of the line each case. If a manufac- gift certificates
pers confused and con- regarding benefits. turer goes out of busi- "Sometimes re-
cerned. "Shoppers are Normally any gains from ness, consumers may be tailers have wooed new
left wondering what will the sale of company able to rely on war- customers by accepting
happen to goods they assets go first to paling ranties provided by a bankrupt competitor's
haven't received, gift back secured creditors retailers. Many extended gift cards. Our advice in
cards, and outstanding and employee wages. warranties and service these cases is for the
warranties," said -Ell Customers who paid plans are provided and consumer to redeem
Mo-ak- Preside.nt/CE of with credit cards, how- administered by third these cards a s soon as
t h c Better_ Business ever, may be able to dis- parties, and they typical possible," said Moak.
B u r e a u (BBB) Serving pute the charge with the ly -are not affected by The BRB h a s 1
Mississippi. "The follow- credit card company and retailers going out of been serving Mississippi
ing is some advice that get their money back. business. consumers and busi-
we offer to consumers if Those paying by debit .Gift cards. nesses since 1964. The
a retailer files for card or check will have Under Chapter 7 bank- reliability of companies
Chapter 7 bankruptcy." to file a claim with the ruptcy, the consumer can be checked online a t
must file a claim and www.ms.bbb.org or by
generally will receive calling 800-987-8280.
part of the value of the
card back. In Chapter 11