Getting a Rebate? Read the Fine Print... ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - If the offer of a rebate enticed you into a store this holiday shopping season, make sure you read the fine print. The Better Business Bureau of Metro Atlanta says pre-loaded plastic cards are supplanting traditiona; check rebates, and they come with a number of pitfalls.

WABE's Odette Yousef reports.

The plastic cards may be ones that shoppers can use at any store, the way you might use an American Express gift card. But Fred Elsberry of the BBB says this year more than ever, stores are offering rebate cards that can only be used with them.

That's where the shopper needs to be careful, he says.

ELSBERRY: 60% of the value of those pre-loaded cards don't get used. They don't get used because there may be fees that whittle down the value, there may be expiration dates, or people may just put them in a drawer and forget they have them, as opposed to receiving that check.

Elsberry advises shoppers to mail in their rebate forms as soon as possible, to avoid the common problem of missing the offer window. Also, keep the original packaging, make sure you send in the correct forms and proofs of purchase, and make copies before you mail them.

If you don't get your rebate in a reasonable amount of time, Elseberry says it's OK to call the retailer or manufacturer, since the process is usually handled by third-party fulfillment companies.

Odette Yousef, WABE News.
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