Interestingly, last year when I called to ask questions about the gift cards, the Marriott rep told me that if the gift card was lost or stolen, they would "freeze" the card so it couldn't be used, but would, under no circumstances, replace the card or its remaining value. The customer loses. The thief loses. Marriott profits. Ka-ching. (sound of cash register)

So, if your gift card is stolen, the question to ask yourself before you call Marriott to freeze the card, is whether you would rather have the thief steal your money or Marriott.