S.P.A.M. - Expedia Gift Card deal @ Amazon.com

Don't know where this thread belongs, so I'm posting it here. Ran across this deal today: http://www.amazon.com/50-Expedia-com-Hotel-Credit/dp/B006V4NMD6/

In for one. Discuss.

edit: apparently you can buy them for $5 less on their website www.hotelcashclub.com

considering additional 5% cash back for Amazon.com purchases with Chase credit card- the price for $50 gift card drops to $28.5

good deal ^

Seller: Hotel Cash Club (http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B006TOEHK0/ref=dp_olp_new/192-6436883-3232809?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Seller Rating: Just Launched (Seller Profile)
In Stock. Ships from MN, United States.
Domestic shipping rates and return policy.
Not too sure.

I'm always wary of these. The losing of stay credits, points, and elite benefits, plus the fact that Expedia's rates are usually higher (can't use corp. discount(s), AAA, BRG's, cancelable rates, etc.) far offset the ~$20 or so you save.

I know Expedia has their own BRG, but I try and avoid 3rd party sites, so $50 Expedia credit has limited value to me.

Maybe this would work for something like a 1-night Bed-and-Breakfast, but it's not worth it to me to lay out money in anticipation of using this deal.

Interesting that HOTEL CASH CLUB has its own website where the exact same cards are $25.00.

the good news is that their site is at least in MA, US, and not somewhere in Ghana or Nigeria :)

I asked how it works here is their explanation.

Once you purchase the deal, an Expedia account is created for you and the
$50 is loaded directly into your account. You can then use it during the check out process.

For questions how to redeem it see:
https://www.expedia.com/pub/agent.dll?qscr=hgen&hfnm=h_pro_rwdsredeem.htx

I asked how it works here is their explanation.

Once you purchase the deal, an Expedia account is created for you and the
$50 is loaded directly into your account. You can then use it during the check out process.

For questions how to redeem it see:
https://www.expedia.com/pub/agent.dll?qscr=hgen&hfnm=h_pro_rwdsredeem.htx

Wow, sounds alot like someone manufacturing a bunch of BRG coupons and then selling them! I'll pass

I asked how it works here is their explanation.

Once you purchase the deal, an Expedia account is created for you and the
$50 is loaded directly into your account. You can then use it during the check out process.

For questions how to redeem it see:
https://www.expedia.com/pub/agent.dll?qscr=hgen&hfnm=h_pro_rwdsredeem.htx


These seem to be general instructions if you are given a gift card.
The issue is really what are we buying? A full $50 gift card, free of purchase amt restrictions?

Have you see Hotel Cash Club's site? The sales copy reads like it was written by a Nigerian prince and the site looks like it was designed by a 5 year-old using Frontpage.

I am staying away from this one.

the good news is that their site is at least in MA, US, and not somewhere in Ghana or Nigeria :)

Bought one, hours later got an email from them stating, that they've deposited $50 to my expedia account.
As expedia account- they've created a new temporary account.
After searching for hotels I was able to book a hotel (obviously, the $50 gift card doesn't pay for tax, so I found $50/night fare hotel room and paid some $6 tax)

At the moment I don't see any way of cheating. The expedia says the itinerary has been paid in full...

I bought one direct from the website. You have to use Google checkout so the company never sees your CC number and Google will intervene in a dispute if you do not receive the merchandise.

it's OK, amazon doesn't send your CC info to the seller anyway

So for instance if you wanted to buy a flight on expedia that costs 500USD, you could buy 10 vouchers for just 300USD? Or is there a limit of how many can be used?


*sorry, opened my eyes and actually looked at the amazon page - 1 voucher per booking*

Interesting that HOTEL CASH CLUB has its own website where the exact same cards are $25.00.

Has anyone purchased through this site, not Amazon, and found it was just as reliable?

At the moment I don't see any way of cheating. The expedia says the itinerary has been paid in full...

The point is this guy's scamming Expedia and passing off "account credits" as gift cards. Wont be long before Expedia cancels the accounts and YOU LOSE YOUR MONEY.

I do not think Amazon and Google would allow the scenario the above poster envisions.
As Amazon will fully refund your money in case of fraud and Google has similar protections it is a low risk endeavor.
we have seen similar offers from other companies utilizing travelocity.

hsk;
to put it bluntly; I think you are full of --------

Kathiel;
I bought through the website using Google checkout and all seems in order although I have not booked a room yet I do see the credit

3 PM I have now booked a room for Nashville for March. Credit worked fine. So I guess my thought is; If the transaction scares you do not participate.

I am buying 2 more.

Kathiel;
I bought through the website using Google checkout and all seems in order although I have not booked a room yet I do see the credit

3 PM I have now booked a room for Nashville for March. Credit worked fine. So I guess my thought is; If the transaction scares you do not participate.

I am buying 2 more.

Thanks for the update, I'll be looking at this today!

Hotel Cash Club is not on Amazon any longer. Took me 10 mins to find it on Google. wj

Actually, it is still on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/50-Expedia-com-Hotel-Credit/dp/B006V4NMD6/

I believe, Amazon doesn't allow everybody to become an Amazon seller.
So if anything happens to my booking- I'll contact Amazon.

Amazon is not eBay, I believe.

Actually, it is still on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/50-Expedia-com-Hotel-Credit/dp/B006V4NMD6/
Ah, the link is fixed. Cool ! I Amazon searched Hotel Cash Club, Expedia, a couple other synonyms got nada. It's under HCC Travel. Nothing on Google 'till page 5 either and got this:http://redeemhotelcash.com/main.php. Now the dilemma is whether to save $5 direct or buy with the safety of mother Amazon. What do you all think ? Since you can only use 1/booking, consecutive 1 night bookings are a must. I travel often to SE Asia where one can get a pretty decent hotel for $50-60.. This can be a 40-50% savings for me. In the States, I'd be lucky to save 15%. wj

Ah, the link is fixed. Cool ! I Amazon searched Hotel Cash Club, Expedia, a couple other synonyms got nada. It's under HCC Travel. Nothing on Google 'till page 5 either and got this:http://redeemhotelcash.com/main.php. Now the dilemma is whether to save $5 direct or buy with the safety of mother Amazon. What do you all think ? Since you can only use 1/booking, consecutive 1 night bookings are a must. I travel often to SE Asia where one can get a pretty decent hotel for $50-60.. This can be a 40-50% savings for me. In the States, I'd be lucky to save 15%. wj

You have Google checkout protection direct. Not as good as Amazon but it is good.

I bought one direct then 2 more after I was sure everything went through ok

You have Google checkout protection direct. Not as good as Amazon but it is good.

I bought one direct then 2 more after I was sure everything went through ok

I bought 3 as well. Only 3/month. It IS just like BRG coupons. I wonder if Expedia will nix it if I buy more on Amazon ? wj

I bought 3 as well. Only 3/month. It IS just like BRG coupons. I wonder if Expedia will nix it if I buy more on Amazon ? wj

use different e-mail and physical address and either shorten or lengthen your first name. i.e. Pat = Patricia etc
But your C.C. may reject if you change to much.
Do you have a family member that can buy them for you? Then you can set up a separate account at Expedia and keep feeding it

I've got an interesting story. I bought 3 and they wanted my Expedia acct sign in and PASSWORD ! The other option was a temp acct. which I went with. I was advised by HCC support to change the temp password. I changed it and tried to change the e-mail to my existing acct. You can''t do that. The coupons disappeared while on Expedia. I called Expedia and was on the phone for 1&1/2 hr with supervisors & CS people. Nobody knew nuttin. I finally got the 2nd supe to admit that it is an illegitimate company selling coupons illegally and that I should cancel the charge ! I'm not so sure. The support at HCC said they're an affiliate of Expedia and refunded me immediately. The support at HCC has been great, quite frankly. Ten times as good as Expedia. 2 other sketchy things happened, HCC support e-mailed me saying that they saw me on this thread and could I give them a positive review ? Huh ? The other (which may or may not be related) is that every subsequent charge on my Amex has been fraudulent and the card's shut down now. I don't know how that could be since I used Google Checkout. It must be a coincidence. So right now all we have is a very murky grey area. Would I use them again ? Maybe. wj

Thanks for the update. Everything looks fine in my account. Like you they gave me a temporary account and I changed it after getting the card.
With the CC I immediately went to my CC company and the account looks fine. I too used Google

great news.

I know that always there is a guy, who will mess up everything.

So, now I'm expected my booking to be canceled because you paid Expedia's attention to this offer. ^

Good job, in other words.

great news.

I know that always there is a guy, who will mess up everything.

So, now I'm expected my booking to be canceled because you paid Expedia's attention to this offer. ^

Good job, in other words.
Cut WhackJacky a break I do not think it is messed up and Whackyjacky had a problem where the coupon disappeared, the only alternative was letting the money disappear.

great news.

I know that always there is a guy, who will mess up everything.

So, now I'm expected my booking to be canceled because you paid Expedia's attention to this offer. ^

Good job, in other words.
It'll still work. Expedia is in on it IMO. I bet they're writing off extra BRG coupons and getting back 50 cents on the dollar (or something like that). The supervisors at Expedia knew about HCC and they clammed up. BTW, what would do in my shoes genius ? My CCs getting a ton of fraudulent charges on it & the credits disappear. I had e-mails into HCC and nada back for a couple hours. So I called Expedia. There was no frigging warning not to put them in my acct. Man, you've got me p*ssed off ! wj

Have you see Hotel Cash Club's site? The sales copy reads like it was written by a Nigerian prince and the site looks like it was designed by a 5 year-old using Frontpage.

I am staying away from this one.

I think they re-did their website...talk about a re-design...

great improvement not a wow level though; but HotelHunter do you work or have any other affiliation with the subjects of this thread?

I am getting suspicious. If you are involved why don't you come out. Company reps are allowed on the forum and they get a pretty green name

I think they re-did their website...talk about a re-design...wow.

:rolleyes:

Darben, does it say its a BRG coupon in the account? Or a courtesy coupon? Curious....

great improvement but HotelHunter do you work or have any other affiliation with the subjects of this thread?

I am getting suspicious. If you are involved why don't you come out. Company reps are allowed on the forum and they get a pretty green name

^

:rolleyes:

Darben, does it say its a BRG coupon in the account? Or a courtesy coupon? Curious....

BRG
here are T&C's from expedia coupon
Terms and Conditions

1. This offer is from Expedia.com® and is available to Expedia.com U.S. members only.
2. This single-use coupon is valid for a discount of up to $50 towards the new booking on Expedia.com of either: (A) one (1) room at an Expedia® Special Rate ("ESR") hotel; or (B) one (1) air plus ESR hotel package booking. The cost of the booking (excluding taxes and fees) must be at least $25.
3. This BPGC (Best Price Guarantee Coupon) is valid for one (1) year from date of issuance, rounded to the last day of the month. For example, if your coupon is issued on 8/15/2011, you have until 8/15/2012 to redeem).
4. There are no blackout dates when using this BPGC. Bookings are subject to availability at the time of booking and all applicable terms and conditions. ESR hotel and Package purchases have an advance purchase requirement of 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time on the day of planned arrival.
5. This BPGC is transferable to other guests for bookings made within the same account to which the BPGC was deposited. It is not otherwise transferable. It may not be combined with or applied to other coupons, promotions, special offers, or air-only bookings.
6. All taxes, fees, charges, and surcharges applicable to the booking, including, without limitation, extra person, phone, parking, and other charges are applicable to your reservation, and this coupon cannot be applied to them. These charges must be paid at the time the reservation is confirmed or to the hotel property directly and are the responsibility solely of the customer. This BPGC cannot be applied to the cost of cancellation or change penalties, prepaid reservations, administrative fees, or other miscellaneous charges.
7. This BPGC will be deemed fully used once a qualifying reservation has been made and will not be returned or replaced, even in the event that the reservation is cancelled. If travel dates are changed after the use of the coupon, then the coupon will not apply to the changed travel schedule. There is no residual value and no credit will be issued if purchase amount is less than the coupon amount. Customer is responsible for the cost of the booking above the value of the redeemed coupon.
8. Terms and conditions of this BPGC are as written and cannot be changed by any representation of any unauthorized person, including employees of Expedia, Inc.
9. This BPGC is not redeemable for cash. Coupon cash value 1/100¢.
10. Void where prohibited by law.

Ah. So now I understand. Thank you.
And HotelHunter is here to promote.

5. This BPGC is transferable to other guests for bookings made within the same account to which the BPGC was deposited. It is not otherwise transferable. It may not be combined with or applied to other coupons, promotions, special offers, or air-only bookings.


Wonder if this item will change now that expedia knows some guy is pawning off the coupons. I'd hate to see the terms of the BRG change due to this as it has benefitted me greatly in the past.

Wonder if this item will change now that expedia knows some guy is pawning off the coupons. I'd hate to see the terms of the BRG change due to this as it has benefitted me greatly in the past.

The statements says you can use it for other people in your account. Why would that change. I still do not believe that this is an illegal endeavor. I think just poorly done attempt at promotion.

How do you know some guy is pawning off the BRG's and how is he transferring them out into another account? I have tried to figure out how this is being done and I cannot so if you have more than speculation please share it.
Mine work fine intend to purchase more.

I still do not believe that this is an illegal endeavor. I think just poorly done attempt at promotion.

Of course this isn't illegal. It's not even against the program's T&C's ... yet.

How do you know some guy is pawning off the BRG's and how is he transferring them out into another account? I have tried to figure out how this is being done and I cannot so if you have more than speculation please share it.

I only have speculation, but I'll feel free to share it. He's not "transferring them out". As WJ stated, he's creating a new account or asking for access to your account. Seems like he's loading BRG's either into the new account or the user's account after gaining access. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with this yet, but I think it may affect how Expedia handles BRG's in the future.

I bought 3 and they wanted my Expedia acct sign in and PASSWORD ! The other option was a temp acct. which I went with.

But try as I might I cannot find away to move BRG coupons to another account. That is the part that has be mystified. How do you create the account and fund it without Expedia's help.
I understand how to create an account but not how to xfr the coupons into the account

But try as I might I cannot find away to move BRG coupons to another account. That is the part that has be mystified. How do you create the account and fund it without Expedia's help.
I understand how to create an account but not how to xfr the coupons into the account

They're not transferring the coupons, they're creating them in that account. Are you aware that you could manufacture your own coupons? The website below is a good resource.

http://bestrateguarantee.blogspot.com/

I still believe Expedia is in on this HCC deal. Expedia would have a restraining order on HCC otherwise. They've got Expedia logos all over the website and I have to believe that Amazon does some vetting of merchants before putting stuff on the website. I found it extremely suspicious the way the Expedia supervisors handled my case. They didn't want to know anything about it. If someone was selling BRG coupons illegally, don't you think they would want to know the particulars ? It was almost impossible to pry any information out of them. The waits to get a supervisor were around 40 mins. They were hoping I'd grow old and die before talking to a supe. At one point I asked him "do you work for Expedia or the CIA ?" All they said was "We can do nothing. Go back to the site you bought them from." wj

I still believe Expedia is in on this HCC deal. Expedia would have a restraining order on HCC otherwise. They've got Expedia logos all over the website

I don't see any Expedia Logo, but I do see the word Expedia all over.

I found it extremely suspicious the way the Expedia supervisors handled my case.

Sounds like you were right to be suspicious.

If someone was selling BRG coupons illegally, don't you think they would want to know the particulars ?

Again, I haven't ever suggested this is illegal or against their terms. As stated in item #5 quoted earlier, it appears that there is no restriction against transferring these coupons.

They're not transferring the coupons, they're creating them in that account. Are you aware that you could manufacture your own coupons? The website below is a good resource.

http://bestrateguarantee.blogspot.com/

So what you are assuming is that they create an account using a credit card to book 3 hotel rooms and then file for 3 BRG almost immediately to fulfill the order? Then they cancel the rooms get a refund on the credit card without any tracking in the account they created. Wow they are good cause I cannot figure out how to do that can you?
Sorry if I am making you think














i

I don't see any Expedia Logo, but I do see the word Expedia all over.



Sounds like you were right to be suspicious.



Again, I haven't ever suggested this is illegal or against their terms. As stated in item #5 quoted earlier, it appears that there is no restriction against transferring these coupons.

I said to the 2nd supervisor: " My credit card has been compromised and I need to know whether you work with this company and if it's a legitimate company or not". "SILENCE" ! "Should I cancel my CC" ? "SILENCE". "Are they an illegitimate company illegally selling your credits" ? "YES". "I though you said you don't know anything about HCC". "SILENCE". I didn't believe him at the time (although I wanted to). The 1st supe wouldn't say they were illegal. wj

So what you are assuming is that they create an account using a credit card to book 3 hotel rooms and then file for 3 BRG almost immediately to fulfill the order? Then they cancel the rooms get a refund on the credit card without any tracking in the account they created. Wow they are good cause I cannot figure out how to do that can you?
Sorry if I am making you think


I can't quite figure it out either, which leads me to think WJ's assumption that they are an Expedia affiliate is true. I'm pretty well versed with BRGs and I know if you keep using the same credit card to do it over and over again (more than 3-4 times/month), it eventually won't let you use that credit card or the coupons earned with that credit card to use on Expedia. Also, they verify the name on your credit card, billing address, etc, so it would raise huge red flags if they are making an account in someones name but booking reservations in another and then cancelling them.

The whole "manufacturing" coupons thing seems far-fetched. The one I purchased from HCC worked fine, and had no problems with the hotel stay it about paid for completely. I will probably buy more, as I know Expedia has precautions in place to prevent illegal use, which leads me to believe this is legit. I'm not going to worry about it, if it's benefiting me I'm not going to rock the boat.

AuraXE pardon me asking but are you affiliated with hotelcashclub in any way.
If you are it is permitted just alert a mod and get your official green name plate.
Just want to clear the air

AuraXE pardon me asking but are you affiliated with hotelcashclub in any way.
If you are it is permitted just alert a mod and get your official green name plate.
Just want to clear the air
EXACTLY what i was thinking ^


I'm not going to worry about it, if it's benefiting me I'm not going to rock the boat.
Many a pyramid scheme victim thought the same thing...

EXACTLY what i was thinking ^



Many a pyramid scheme victim thought the same thing...

The only difference here is I am protected by Google checkout or Amazon.com wonderful customer service and anti-theft services as well as my CC fraud devices so I feel well protected

No, I'm not a part of it. Why am I all of the sudden under suspicion? I have never seen a thread so full of paranoia.

No, I'm not a part of it. Why am I all of the sudden under suspicion? I have never seen a thread so full of paranoia.

You will generally find on this forum that until you are around awhile people are leery. I am not paranoid just that many people who join and then almost immediately post an obscure deal probably are involved with the company they are posting about. This has happened before and is a form of social engineering it is a well known phenomena. I believe you when you say you are NOT affiliated but I like knowing whom I am dealing with.

Sorry if I offended you but this has happened before and new members are the people to do this most often.
Redreeper, whackyJacky and even Saacman 5033 are known quantities to me and even though I may not now them personally I respect that they have been on the forum for awhile and so I take them at face value. You are an unknown entity which I am attempting to figure out. The best way I know how is to ask you

I'm pretty well versed with BRGs.......
The one I purchased from HCC worked fine, and had no problems with the hotel stay it about paid for completely. I will probably buy more,

Not trying to be difficult, but I'm wondering why someone well versed in BRG's would want to pay for 'em.

Not trying to be difficult, but I'm wondering why someone well versed in BRG's would want to pay for 'em.

It's A LOT less hassle and they do all the work or whatever they do.

Not trying to be difficult, but I'm wondering why someone well versed in BRG's would want to pay for 'em.


This thread is full of fish.
A prepaid visa/mc/amex works just fine for an EXP res, no?

No, I'm not a part of it. Why am I all of the sudden under suspicion? I have never seen a thread so full of paranoia.

I can think of 3 reasons off the top of my head:
-you are the OP, and that post was your first post
-you have only posted on this thread
-you have been unflaggingly singing the virtues of something that, on the surface, you only just bought yourself

Since this is the first thread you've posted to on FT, how would you know how paranoid we are? :confused: :)

The only difference here is I am protected by Google checkout or Amazon.com wonderful customer service and anti-theft services as well as my CC fraud devices so I feel well protected

Only if you don't value your time.
Reporting the fraudulent transaction and and all that jazz....wouldn't getting a BRG yourself be easier? :cool:

This thread is full of fish.
A prepaid visa/mc/amex works just fine for an EXP res, no?
Never tried it, but i would think so, yes.

It's A LOT less hassle and they do all the work or whatever they do.

You're right of course, but I've never found it to be that much work. Honestly, if I weren't worried about this ruining the BRG as we know it, I'd be pretty impressed that someone thought of selling these things.

You're right of course, but I've never found it to be that much work. Honestly, if I weren't worried about this ruining the BRG as we know it, I'd be pretty impressed that someone thought of selling these things.

I've gotten at least a dozen BRGs and they've now made it such a pain in the butt, that it's no longer worth my time. A few years back, they used to be easy. The whole process took 10-15mins. The last 3 or 4 I got, they had me on hold for 40-45 mins and I had to explain their BRG rules to their supervisors to get 'em to drop the coupon. wj

I've gotten at least a dozen BRGs and they've now made it such a pain in the butt, that it's no longer worth my time. A few years back, they used to be easy. The whole process took 10-15mins. The last 3 or 4 I got, they had me on hold for 40-45 mins and I had to explain their BRG rules to their supervisors to get 'em to drop the coupon. wj

...and that is if the coupon actually drops. If it doesn't, you get to wait a week and call back and do it all again :D

Don't know where this thread belongs, so I'm posting it here. Ran across this deal today: http://www.amazon.com/50-Expedia-com-Hotel-Credit/dp/B006V4NMD6/

In for one. Discuss.

edit: apparently you can buy them for $5 less on their website www.hotelcashclub.com

Discuss or disgust?

This is NOT a deal. I'll put it simply:

Exploiting Expedia's BRG, and reselling the credit as vouchers, is NOT a deal.

First of all, because anyone can do it himself if he wanted to for $0. Many people however would find it unethical to do so (unless it was a real BRG of course), and your trying to lure them into a shady area.

And more importantly, you are very likely going to ruin to BRG for everyone else! Expedia will not let this continue endlessly. And will have to make ramifications to their BRG. Everyone loses.

bittul:

Please explain how the people are scamming. How do they create the account drop 3 vouchers in it and leave no trace. I believe it is impossible. If you have knowledge of the so called scam tell me how it is done. If it is speculation then that is fine just say you speculate.

The website now takes PayPal which is even better than Google checkout to me.

Has anyone tried purchasing 3 from the site directly and then another 3 from amazon? Also, has anyone been able to clarify whether you're able to purchase 3 a month or 3 within a 30 day span? If its 3 a month, february's not too far off. thanks

Has anyone tried purchasing 3 from the site directly and then another 3 from amazon? Also, has anyone been able to clarify whether you're able to purchase 3 a month or 3 within a 30 day span? If its 3 a month, february's not too far off. thanks

WOW I just asked them that question (whether 30 day or calendar month) by email I then saw your post. I am waiting for a reply.

UPDATE

From their email reply to me
The three limit is every 30 days.

So dasalnt you might want to find a friend

I successfully bought more of the offer.

I used an account that I had already and they were able to put the offers in that account but because my email address was on the account I accidentally received some emails between HOTELCASHCLUB and Expedia.

I feel very safe in saying that HOTELCASHCLUB has some sort of relationship with Expedia as The emails were between people who are known to each other and have a working relationship.

purchased one on 1/20.
got today an email from Amazon saying that unfortunately, seller was out of the item (=order was cancelled) so I should try later again. :)

purchased one on 1/20.
got today an email from Amazon saying that unfortunately, seller was out of the item (=order was cancelled) so I should try later again. :)
Try direct from HCC. wj

So far so good with these cards I have ordered and used and they are working just fine.

I use paypal to pay for the added protection

Forgive my ignorance, but what is a BRG? I am new to this world of posting and would love the help! Thanks!

Forgive my ignorance, but what is a BRG? I am new to this world of posting and would love the help! Thanks!

Best Rate Guarantee

I did pay one of these but never received the coupon. Anyone else had the problem.

Used paypal option- without having paypal acct. Paypal CS is difficult...

No reply from Hotel Cash Club.