Customer Care

[PiperJane]

Hello all, yesterday I received a form in the mail from QVC/HSN.  It states I have a gift card that was not used and the transaction date is 12/5/19.  It lists the gift card number (but not the pin) and the amount and asks me to sign the form and return by email to abandonedproperty@hsn.net to receive the funds.  While the email addy is to HSN it states that QVC is required to report and turn over this property within a period of time, etc.  It looks official, no misspellings or bad grammar but I really don't want to sign and return it without knowing it's "real".  I tried QVC cust. service and got the run around, person didn't seem to know what I was talking about.  I did also contact cashstar (think that's the name of the co. that issues the cards?) and they referred me to QVC.  So, around in circles and no closer to an answer.  I've googled and can't really find anything.  I even called the number on the form from a work phone (so I don't get spammed) and got voice mail, the message sounded formal.  

Has anyone else gotten one of these and submitted it?  I hate to throw it away and not receive the money.  Just not sure what to do or who to ask at this point as no one seems to have a clue.  ANY help would be greatly appreciated!

[Othereeeen]

@PiperJane 

HSN's email ( and QVC as well.).....is DOT COM....not DOT NET.

Souncds like a scam, or data mining....they have your name, your email, know you shop at QVC and HSN ( may be a hack) .

Respond and next they'll want your physical address and other information to "send you your card".

Plus...it confirms  to them there's a personand active email  on the other end of thier email.

I'd toss it. Not worth it. ( Or delete it).

QVC.COM    HSN.COM.....see what I mean?

[Desertdi]

ANYTHING from 2019 would have been written off the books long ago.

[loriqvc]

@PiperJane - Have you tried contacting the Social Team to have them review this situation? They have advanced training and may have specialized contacts and access to information that standard customer service representatives may not. They also could know about any potential scams that may be circulating. I'd recommend reaching out to them for assistance: QVCSocialTeam@qvc.com

And for what it's worth, abandoned property—especially monetary property—is quite strictly regulated through a process called "escheatment," and each state has its own laws/rules that must be followed to return property to its rightful owner within a specific amount of time. The five-year timeframe you're describing could be legitimate and seems reasonable for gift card funding based on a quick web search. As you might imagine, most companies are going to wait until the last minute to invest their time and energy into returning funds/property, especially since there's always a chance the customer will figure out that they still have a certain gift card and start using it again before the card is no longer valid.

One additional note: You will likely be asked for some minimal personal information to associate you with your funds, but if a "verification request" requires a lot of personally identifiable information, it is more likely to be a scam since those details should not be needed to simply connect you to your gift card. Good luck with figuring things out!

[Marp]

@PiperJane,  do you recall purchasing a gift card from either HSN or QVC in 2019?  If you did not then I would ignore the letter.  If you did make a purchase and did not use the card the letter is likely legitimate.

The contact would only be to the purchaser not a supposed recipient.

[We rescue cats]

If it is from QVC the claim time is now 3 years, though it was 5 in PA until fairly recently. If it is from HSN I don't believe there is a time limit. You can search for unclaimed money on either PA(dot)gov or FLTreasureHunt(dot)gov . Take a look and see if you are listed.

[Venezia]

@Desertdi - Not necessarily true.

Most states have a system where companies have to transfer any unclaimed property (checks, gift cards, insurance reimbursements, etc.) to them.  Companies don't just "write off" unused things like this.

I advised my own brother that he had money being held for him by our state government.  He filled in the form on the official website (easy) and they sent him a check.  This type of thing is held in an escrow account and every year our state government puts out reminders for people to check to see if they have any unclaimed property.

The state should have an official website.  @PiperJane - I'd check with your own state government's website for "Unclaimed property".  This type of thing stays there until it's claimed in my state.  (Also, state laws vary but, in mine, funds on gift cards cannot expire.  Prepaid VISA cards are an entirely different matter - big ripoff!)

[Marp]

@Othereeeen,  I'm not sure about Q but HSN.net is there vendor portal. 

HSN

https://view.hsn.net
Welcome to HSN's Vendor Portal

[Desertdi]

Have a QVC Gift Card?

Here's what you need to know:

• You can use your gift card towards any QVC purchase (exclusions apply).
• Once your gift card is used, the remaining balance (if any) will convert to a QVC credit.
• Call us with questions at 888-345-5788.

[Venezia]

@PiperJane - I'm not registered on HSN's forums, but in a google search, it appears some posters have asked similar questions.

You may want to contact their corporate office.  Also, QVC may legitimately not know anything about it, as you say it's HSN.  Why not try calling their customer service number (from their website).  Don't use what's on the form you received, until you're absolutely sure it's legitimate.