Question about a Gift Card that I found lying on the floor.?

Question

Hi all, I work in a Mall, so you could imagine the influx of customers since Christmas is fast approaching, during our closing and cleaning procedures, I found an envelope in the floor. I picked it up an it was a William Sonoma Envelope with a Gift Card neatly placed in the Center and it seems like it was NEVER been used. The only writing on this card was the amount on it. Since there is no way to track the original owners of this Card, I want to pass it on as a Gift for somebody else. I guess you might say "finders keepers losers weepers" sorta mentality. My question is, if the actual owner realizes of this loss, can this person put a stop payment on this Gift Card? And of course the embarassment I will get from this person who I am going to pass it on too. So what am I suppose to do with a Gift Card that has Value and there is no way to track to Original Owner? Serious replies only please.

Lildago, I did NOT lose a Gift Card. I actually FOUND a Gift Card. My simple question is, can I use it without the actual owner putting a stop payment on it. Because there is NO way to track the original owners.

Answer 1

Here is my thoughts ..

The Gift Card DOES (and I know this about William Sonoma) .. have an ID Number on it .. and if you go to the store, and the person has paid with a Credit/Debit Card .. they CAN identify the person who PURCHASED that gift card for sure.

DO NOT do anything with it yourself -- and yes, they CAN and DO put stop pays on Gift Cards (and can report them stolen -- which .. if the person who lost the card has already realized it -- will have done).

It would be CONSIDERED THEFT if you (or some charity or wherever/whoever else you give it to) used it!

So do NOT risk a Criminal Charge -- go to the William Sonoma Store and Turn that card in -- so that the Management can track down the TRUE Purchaser/Owner of the Gift Card.

Answer 2

It may not have been an activated card. But you should still be able to use it provided the person didn't report it lost. They can stop payment on it because they will have a reciept. But there's always the slim chance that they lost their receipt and didn't de-activate the card. But still - you could end up being embarassed. I mean - I realize being cheap has its privileges, but I don't think you should risk it. Instead - keep it for yourself and try to use it. That way if it doesn't work no one is embarassed and you don't look like an *** to someone you know.

Answer 3

One time I accidentally trashed a gift card and I called the store I got it from and they said there was nothing they could do to replace it because they couldn't track it But ......if its a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover gift card you may be able to call the one eight hundred number on the back to report it lost or stolen like a normal credit card. I would pretend you are the lost owner and call them to see what they say before you piss someone off this holiday. Good luck :)

Answer 4

what does the store in the mall say? sometimes people come back to look for it and see if someone turned it in. i know i would. and hopefully someone didn't just take it. in most cases though it is the person who is in possession of the card that gets to use it. most cards tell you to treat it like cash because it does have value to it. you'll just have to live with what you do either way.

Answer 5

I don't know if anyone's even thought of that.

Good question.

Call the store and tell them you lost one can they stop payment for that card number. I am sure they have numbers on them to show how many they sold.
The best answer I can give you.