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Fabric and crafts retailer Joann Inc. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, leaving gift card holders unable to use their balances.When a store files for bankruptcy, it is often no longer legally required to honor gift cards. Joann is the latest example, following similar cases like Big Lots, where gift cards became invalid after bankruptcy filings.Consumers still have a few options. Some states, like Maine, have laws protecting against gift card expirations. If the card was purchased with a credit card, customers can contact their provider to dispute the charge.The best advice is to use gift cards quickly after receiving them to avoid losing their value.