ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATS NEWS RELEASE

Burzichelli, DeAngelo & Moriarty Bill to

Protect Consumers Receiving Mailed Rebate Continues Advancing

                                                                                                                  

            (TRENTON)  – Legislation Assembly Democrats John Burzichelli, Wayne DeAngelo and Paul Moriarty sponsored to ensure consumers who are entitled to a manufacturer’s rebate actually receive their check was released Thursday by a Senate panel.

            The bill (A-1516) would require manufacturers, retailers or third-party rebate clearinghouses to mail rebate checks to consumers in a sealed, clearly identifiable envelope.

            “Some rebate refunds or payments have been mailed to customers as little checks attached to postcards,” said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “Refunds and payments sent in this way could easily be lost or stolen, or even confused for junk mail.”

            “Requiring checks to be mailed in clearly marked and sealed envelopes will ensure that consumers don’t lose the opportunity to receive their rebate,” said Moriarty (D-Gloucester/Camden). “Let’s make sure consumers get the money they deserve.”

            “Some manufacturers continue to mail-out rebate checks to consumers in extremely unsafe methods ways that open the system up to fraud and theft,” said DeAngelo (D-Mercer/Middlesex). “This is money that deserves to be in consumers’ pockets.”

            The bill was approved by the Assembly in February and released Thursday by the Senate Commerce Committee.