Originally Posted by
jn in ca
Outrageous. Complaints to CFPB should follow, at least. I just had that happen on a USB VGC, and USB handled it pretty well. It took a 30 minute wait
to get a live person, but once I got through it was pretty painless. CSR explained that my card # had been compromised before I even bought the card, so the card was flagged (to keep the thief from trying the number again after I loaded it) and I'd have to have USB mail me a replacement card, for full $500 value.
My only complaint was the CSR claimed it takes 14 days for the replacement card to arrive. I sure hope USB is faster than that.
I have had that happen before too with an USB VGC. What I do now is that after I buy the cards and go to my car, I open them up and call the customer service line immediately to see if I can check the balance. If I can check the balance the card is good. However if it gives me an error and asks me to re-enter the card number and redirects me to a live customer service agent, I know the card has been compromised before the card was even activated. I remember an example recently where I bought the USB VGC on 11/29 and the CSR rep told me it was used for some X amount on 11/23 which I don't really understand how this happens and like you mentioned USB sent me a replacement card for the full $500 value and took about 5-7 business days.
Another suggestion is even if the cards are solid but u don't have time to liquidate that exact day, I would register the cards with your name and address so that even if it did get compromised USB can verify that it is you and confirm if the transaction makes sense especially if the fraudulent purchase was made in person in another state.