Simply not worth it
While TCN card issue was made viral and fixes provided , now it is turn of ultimate cards
Just lost $600 and 2 hrs of time and possible more time following up
Cards were redeemed even before it was purchased
Ultimate support team acknowledged the issue but have to wait for head office team for escalation
Getting 5-10% saving and losing sleep and time is simply not worth it
Stop Buying Ultimate and TCN Gift Cards
Way ahead of you
Cards were redeemed even before it was purchased
How is that even possible?
ADAGCHS
How is that even possible for gift cards to be used before purchase?
One step ahead of you, I never started buying them.
If you don't do the FA, you don't have to FO.
I would be betting on an insider stealing card numbers when the cards are generated. I hope companies that create gift cards are investigating these issues as it's not an isolated ocurrence.
Or better yet whoever regulates them (ACCC?) should investigating these issues. The issues clearly aren't isolated and it continues to be a going concern. The gift card provider's attitude and customer service in response to these issues is appaling.
I have stopped buying them. Sadly I've got credit card rewards that I have to spend within 3 months… and the best option is $500 worth of Ultimate Gift Cards.
This prob not ideal but it does add extra layers of security.
Only sell gift cards with the $ amount and when it's purchased - each card has a unique card identifier (like NBF345FGG222F112) and you need to give them your phone number and/or e-mail address.
When the purchase is complete, a link via sms and/or email will be sent with a newly generated card number and pin to use. Either add it to your digital wallet or use the link to open with a barcode, card number and pin or the physical card can be swipe as per normal and match the card unique identifier with the pin and boom, paid.
But I understand the hassle if it's for a present… bruhhhhhh
Other option is, I forgot the company, but White Wings sent me a goodwill GC and when you open the link, and press 'ready to use', you have 20 minutes to use it. After \20 minutes, it disables again until you activate the 20 mins again
Or just get the checkout to generate an activation code at the time of purchase. It could be printed on the activation receipt.
To use the card online you have to enter the card serial and the activation code. Only then will it generate a visa/mc card number (or the retailer-specific gift card). If you are actually giving it as a gift you can just write the code on the card.
i have bought many Ultimate & TCN cards and so far have had no problems. This includes leaving the money in the card for months. Maybe just my store. But yes, I am becoming increasingly wary.
Cards were redeemed even before it was purchased
how is that possible?
the cards have zero value until they are paid for
I don’t (profanity) around with gift cards so I never find out 🤷♂️