The State Comptroller’s Office recently completed an audit that discovered that nearly $40 million in unclaimed balances on gift cards in New York City are lying around unclaimed. The results are based on a survey by CivicScience, Pittsburgh-based research firm. Currently, Manhattan holds the majority of unclaimed gift card money, at $14.5 million, followed by Brooklyn with $9.5 million, Bronx with $7.3 million, and Queens with $7 million.
If you have an inactive gift card, you can claim the balance if its inactive for a certain period of time. There’s been a rise in gift card scams indicated by the Federal Trade Commission. This led to the passing of a new state law in New York, requiring retailers to post a notice warning about potential gift card fraud.
On a separate note, a recent study has revealed that poverty is rapidly increasing in New York City. The city’s poverty rate was nearly double the national average, showing that progress made in reducing poverty pre-pandemic has been undone.
Be prepared for rain lasting through the evening with temperatures steady in the mid- to low 40s. Alternate-side parking is in effect until March 24 due to Purim.
Lastly, a New Yorker recently shared the story of making a call upon returning to the city. She gives the impression of being overwhelmed with joy as she encounters the familiar skyline, describing the whole episode in a diary entry.
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