Groupon sued over deal expiration dates
Michael Lansu Staff Reporter
A potential class action lawsuit was filed in federal court Tuesday against Chicago-based Groupon, claiming the discounted gift certificate website issues coupons with illegal expiration dates.
Eli R. Johnson claims he purchased a gift certificate Aug. 15 to WhirlyBall through Groupon with an illegally deceptive expiration date, according to a suit filed in U.S. District Court. The certificate was good for 30 minutes of play for up to 10 people for $55.
Groupon offers “Daily Deals” coupons through its website that do not become valid until a certain number of consumers accept the offer. The coupons are purchased through Groupon and offer a significant discount off a given retailer’s regular price for an item or service.
Groupon spokeswoman Julie Mossler said the company does not comment on pending legal action.
Groupon and the retail partners state the gift certificates expire within months. The suit claims the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act prohibits the sale of gift certificates with expiration dates of less than five years.
The suit claims the WhirlyBall gift certificate had an expiration date of Feb. 16 and did not list an issuance date.
WhirlyBall also is listed as a defendant.
