Giftcards.com: Is It Legit or a Scam?

Giftcards.com has been in the spotlight for its questionable practices, with numerous customers alleging fraudulent activities and poor service.

This article aims to uncover whether Giftcards.com is truly a scam or simply a company facing operational issues. We’ll explore user experiences, red flags, and give our final opinion.

What Is Giftcards.com?

Giftcards.com is a website that allows users to purchase gift cards for various retailers, both digital and physical. They offer a range of cards, including Visa and Mastercard gift cards, which are often used as general-purpose gift cards. While it seems like a convenient service, user reports suggest otherwise.

The company claims to be a leading platform in the gift card industry, offering personalized gift options for birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions. But recent reviews indicate that many of these cards are either unusable or difficult to activate.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Many users have shared alarming red flags associated with Giftcards.com, particularly when purchasing Visa or Mastercard gift cards. Here are some signs to be wary of:

Unusable Gift Cards: Several users have reported that after purchasing a card, they are unable to activate or use it, often receiving error messages.
Poor Customer Support: Attempts to reach customer service typically end in frustration, with many users complaining about unresponsive support teams and unresolved cases.
Technical Issues: Users often encounter technical difficulties on the website, with activation failures and unhelpful error messages being common complaints.
Unreliable Shipping: There have been numerous instances where gift cards either arrived late or were sent to the wrong address, with no way to correct errors after placing an order.

These red flags suggest that customers should approach Giftcards.com with caution.

User Experiences and Warnings

Story 1: The Unusable Birthday Gift A user’s mother purchased a Visa gift card for her granddaughter’s birthday through Giftcards.com. When they tried to activate the card, they were met with an error stating the card didn’t exist. Customer support was unreachable, leaving the user to pursue a chargeback. This story is echoed by many other users, indicating a recurring issue.

Story 2: Another Disappointed Customer A retired teacher purchased a $250 Visa gift card, but the recipient couldn’t activate it. After attempting to reach Giftcards.com’s customer support with no success, the frustrated customer decided to report the company to the FBI for suspected fraud.

Story 3: A Close Call One savvy customer decided to research Giftcards.com before making a purchase. After reading several negative reviews about unusable cards and poor service, they chose not to proceed. This due diligence saved them from a potentially frustrating experience.

Our Opinion: Is Giftcards.com a Scam?

While some customers report having no issues with retailer-specific gift cards, the overwhelming number of complaints about Visa and Mastercard gift cards cannot be ignored. The company’s failure to resolve activation problems, combined with poor customer service, makes it difficult to recommend Giftcards.com. While it may not be a full-blown scam, it operates with enough concerning issues to warrant skepticism.

Key Reasons for Concern:

Numerous reports of faulty gift cards
Unresponsive or inadequate customer support
High likelihood of needing to file a chargeback to recover funds

Why It’s Important to Be Cautious

Gift cards are often purchased for special occasions, and dealing with a faulty card can lead to disappointment and frustration. It’s essential to research the reliability of the service before making any purchases, especially if the recipient depends on the card.

To avoid scams, consider these tips:

Check Reviews: Always read recent reviews from verified users.
Use Reputable Services: Stick to well-known and trusted platforms.
Report Fraud: If you encounter issues, report them to your bank and appropriate authorities.

Conclusion

Giftcards.com may not be a scam, but its poor track record with Visa and Mastercard gift cards, coupled with dismal customer service, suggests that it’s not a platform to trust lightly. Be sure to weigh the risks before using this service and explore more reliable options for your gift-giving needs.

FAQs

Is Giftcards.com legitimate?
- It’s a registered company, but many users report negative experiences, especially with Visa gift cards.
What should I do if my gift card won’t activate?
- Try contacting customer service. If that fails, report the issue to your bank and request a chargeback.
Can I get a refund for a faulty gift card?
- Refunds are often difficult to obtain. Many users resort to chargebacks.
Are all Giftcards.com products problematic?
- Most issues arise with Visa and Mastercard gift cards. Other retailer-specific cards may have fewer problems.
How can I avoid gift card scams?
- Stick to reputable websites and always research reviews before making a purchase.
What action should I take if I’ve been scammed?
- File a complaint with the FTC and your local consumer protection agency.
Are there alternatives to Giftcards.com?
- Yes, services like Amazon, Walmart, and directly purchasing from retailers are safer options.
Can I cancel my order on Giftcards.com?
- Once placed, orders typically cannot be canceled.
Is customer service helpful?
- Most users report poor customer service experiences, with long wait times and unhelpful responses.
How can I ensure my information is safe?

Be cautious when sharing personal details and monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity.