Metabank HIdden Fees on Prepaid VISA Nationwide

I had a prepaid VISA card with a small balance (approx $5).  The card clearly says on the front "FUNDS DO NOT EXPIRE" and I confirmed with a phone rep that balance was available.  However the card's "thru date" has expired (approx 2 weeks ago) and back of card states a "$3.95 monthly fee will be assessed after this valid thru date".  Still, that leaves a small balance, even after the first monthly fee.

HOWEVER, since card has technically expired, I cannot get near any remaining balance.  Why?  To get at the funds, I need to have a new card issued for a $15 fee.  The service rep in the Phillipines that I spoke to states this is "company policy".

So....even though they SAY that funds never expire after expiration date, they have found a back door route to MAKE the funds expire (so they can pocket the balance).  Clearly, no one would spend $15 to get their $5 back.

State law where I live forbids the expiration of funds and charging monthly fees to have the card.  They have attempted a clever trick to bypass the law and keep the funds, anyway.

Be very cautious when purchasing any gift card issued through Metabank.