Blackhawk Network Gift card scam Pleasanton California

My husband received a $100 gift/debit card, which was in cardboard folder, sealed in plastic.  We used the card at a local restaurant.  When the bill came, it was for $136.00 and he gave the gift card, plus $62.00 in cash.  The waiter returned and told us there was only $83.13 credit on the gift card.  he asked if we wanted the card back and I too him to toss it, since it supposedly did not have any value.  I copied the card number and the next day I researched the issue.  I went to visa.gowallet, called Meta Bank, and was told that Blackhawk is the issuer of the gift card.  When I called Blackhawk and entered my card number, I was told that there was a $16.677 credit on my Card, which is the amount that was deducted from the card the night before. When I finally spoke to a Customer Service person and asked why they deducted this from the value of the card, I was told that if the card is used at an eating establishment, the company (Blackhawk) deducts an amount that is equal to $16.67 gratuity. BUT they do not pay that amount to the restaurant.  And their is nothing on the card to tell you that this is their procedure.  Typically, when a person is told that there is nothing left on the gift card, it is tossed.  When the card is tossed, Blackhawk adds $16.67 profit to every $100 card they sell.  THIS IS A RIPOFF, perpetrated by a REPUTABLE??????? company!

This is a scam.  Blackhawk has found a very legal way to steal from us. It is no wonder their profits are so good.