[Update 12/6/17: Sporadic deactivations are now happening for ultra heavy hitters. I think they are basing it off the card used, so if you varied cards for each purchase you’re probably safe.]
Quick heads up: word on the street is that Target plans to deactivate some gift cards which were purchased by abusing the 10%-off deal from Sunday and refund the payment method used for purchase.
A similar thing happened last year where Target drained some gift cards for people who ‘rolled’ Target gift cards. We don’t know yet whether this time the deactivations will occur only on ‘rolled’ purchases; my gut tells me it’ll be a bit more broad this time. Even then, it’ll probably only affect those who did multiple online purchases from a single billing address or perhaps those who did more than $300-worth on a single credit card.
We’ll see…In the meantime, keep an eye out on your gift cards to make sure the balances are there. If they aren’t, double check that the refund posted properly to your credit card.
View Comments (106)
So I just got back from Target and when trying to have them scan saved GC from my phone (target account) every card beyond the first card required I obtain an access code from my email. I had 3 cards and had to do it for the second cards. The manager said it was a new security thing they implemented since "the gift card stuff from the holidays." Was bad timing too since I had my 1 and 3 year old with us and they weren't happy.
Suffice to say they're obviously dealing with a lot of fraud from this deal.
Careful people! I bought my $300 Target gift card on 12/3/17 at my Pasadena, CA store. I went to use it today and there was no balance left. I called Target gift cards and yes they saw it was bought on 12/3 and redeemed on 12/10 at a Target store in Irvine, CA which is no where near were I live. I'm now waiting on the phone to work with Target's fraud group (the gift card rep said fraud is experiencing a massive amount of calls).
Same exact thing just happened with one of our Target gift cards. We are in Maryland but they said the card was used in Irvine, CA. Target has started the investigation. Did this get resolved for you?
They did drain some of the cards I bought but no refund yet on my account, any idea by when should I expect a refund. thank you
3-5 biz days
My 3x $300 gc transactions on one card all posted fine. One in store, two online.
Update - still fine. Nothing drained, nothing refunded. No issues. I got physical gift cards btw not E-cards
I purchased $300 online, then again in a store with the same Discover Card. Online purchase was pending at $270 for a day, then posted at $45 (I ordered 6x $50 cards) so they are definitely doing something with online orders...
Buy something with the GC and return it for a new GC if you’re worried about deactivation.
Well last year Target deactivated gift cards WITHOUT refunding the original rolled gift cards.
I bought $300 from one store and then decided to buy $200 on the way home from work at another store. I used the same Discover card. Hardly a heavy hitter. How is Target notifying people of deactivations? Email? Are they just finding out that the GC are empty?
I'm in exact same boat. First time buying target GC with the 10% off deal. Did $300 at one store, then 2nd purchase wouldn't go through due to fraud alert but once that's resolved stopped by another store and did another $300. Same card. I think people are just checking the balance online and/or checking if a refund was issued.
I'm also wondering which one of those transactions will be voided.
Folks, I wouldn't worry much if you just had two purchases. They are deactivating those with multiples of that.
Quit wondering, spend it! There has to be some 3rd party gift cards you're in!
I definitely am glad Target is cracking down...I don't know why everyone has to abuse everything....Seems like many people on this site and those similar lack morals.
Wont someone please think of the corporations!!!1
You think retailers care about morals when they phish for your business??? You think banks care about morals when they embezzle and engage in predatory lending??? I could go on for ages.
So you take the firm stance that two wrongs make a right.
Taking advantage of this promo is not a "wrong."
Talk to me about this when banks and retailers develop morals themselves k
Others lack of morality is no reason not to display morality yourself.
That said I think there's nothing immoral about taking advantage of deals like this. It's offered, it's legal. Just because a deal or exploitation of a deal is unprofitable to a retailer or bank doesn't mean it's immoral.
i would like to liquidate these because of some of the stories here - can i use the target gift card to buy visa or ma gc???
thx