In February 2024, Synergy, the issuing company of restaurant gift cards sold at Costco, filed for bankruptcy, leaving many consumers unable to redeem their gift cards. Shoppers who purchased Synergy gift cards found themselves with unusable balances as the company ceased operations. Although the cards were available at Costco and were redeemable at numerous restaurants across the United States, the bankruptcy means that the company responsible for honoring the cards has collapsed, leading to confusion and disappointment among gift card holders. Following the bankruptcy announcement, Synergy initially suggested that redemptions would be available until early February 2024; however, they later stopped honoring the gift cards completely, citing overwhelming demand and the company's deteriorating financial situation. The broader implications of this incident highlight significant risks inherent in purchasing third-party gift cards, as consumers often assume that buying from a reputable retailer such as Costco guarantees security. In reality, these gift cards are promises of future goods or services that become worthless if the issuing company fails. Analysts emphasize the need for consumers to have a proper understanding of who issues the gift cards they purchase and to utilize them in a timely manner. As the fallout from Synergy's bankruptcy becomes more evident, consumers are left questioning the protections afforded to them when purchasing third-party products and the extent of liability for retailers involved in the sale of these cards. This situation serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of gift card purchases and emphasizes the importance of vigilance and awareness among shoppers who engage in acquiring gift cards.