Simon mall gift card(2014-2015)
Jul 17, 2015, 8:33 pm
#1487
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,762
For the second time today....
Yup, oh well.
Actually no. I disagree. If I complain about my own personal information just laying out where anyone can grab it and take a look, I think there is a chance something will be done about it. Further more if I bring this to the attention of corporate, I don't see how they cannot address a security risk of that magnitude. Will it help me to M$? Most certainly not, but if I see this supposed binder just thrown in an unlocked drawer somewhere I will raise hell about it. That is a very unproffesional way to store peoples information.
Yup, oh well.
Actually no. I disagree. If I complain about my own personal information just laying out where anyone can grab it and take a look, I think there is a chance something will be done about it. Further more if I bring this to the attention of corporate, I don't see how they cannot address a security risk of that magnitude. Will it help me to M$? Most certainly not, but if I see this supposed binder just thrown in an unlocked drawer somewhere I will raise hell about it. That is a very unproffesional way to store peoples information.
If what you claim to do would have changed an iota of WM behavior, it would have been done many moons ago - FYI, using WM as a vehicle to MS has been going on for YEARS. Nothing has ever changed when it comes to how they handle the forms.
Oh, there were many who have proclaimed the same thing just like you.... If that ever has any effect on WM, nobody has seen any, just so you know. But, since you are so confident and energetic, please do go right ahead and let us know if you succeed. May be you would finally bring about the much needed change. lol.
Last edited by Happy; Jul 17, 2015 at 8:39 pm
Jul 18, 2015, 12:49 am
#1488
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 227
I can confirm from a Simon manager (at least for that specific mall in DFW) that they just file it away in the mall office. I wouldn't be so concerned about giving your information to Simon as there isn't anything too valuable to put on it (like a SSN).
Now on the other hand, if you are using SMGCs for WM MOs or BP and WM wants you to fill out a SAR report, I'd think twice about putting your real information and SSN on the form. All the WMs I frequent keep it in a binder in the customer service center in plain sight. Someone could literally just walk off with the binder. I am NOT comfortable with WM employees having that data. Especially considering the turnover and lack of pay they receive.
Now on the other hand, if you are using SMGCs for WM MOs or BP and WM wants you to fill out a SAR report, I'd think twice about putting your real information and SSN on the form. All the WMs I frequent keep it in a binder in the customer service center in plain sight. Someone could literally just walk off with the binder. I am NOT comfortable with WM employees having that data. Especially considering the turnover and lack of pay they receive.
Jul 18, 2015, 6:24 am
#1489
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,727
At one of the Simons by me they just file it in a room connected to the info desk. They make me buy one card at an amount less than $500. The biggest thing they look for at my simon is whether someone is a return purchaser before authorizing a large amount. I just need another $18k by July 25th or so, but can spillover to the next month if needed.
Switch the general feedback I got was that it's better to fill out the paperwork and have a record of it. It appeared that if the CS went back in the room and found my previous form that she wouldn't have needed to call her manager.
Switch the general feedback I got was that it's better to fill out the paperwork and have a record of it. It appeared that if the CS went back in the room and found my previous form that she wouldn't have needed to call her manager.
Jul 18, 2015, 8:32 am
#1490
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 227
Thanks Chelski!
What would be the most innocent way to ask "What's the maximum I can buy without having to give you my SSN"?
What would be the most innocent way to ask "What's the maximum I can buy without having to give you my SSN"?
Jul 18, 2015, 9:09 am
#1491
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,727
The SM form doesn't ask for SSN. Just Personal Info like name, address, state DL or ID. Everywhere it should be $3k because of the financial transaction laws. Just say you bought before and didn't have to fill out paperwork, but reread the opinions on the thread regarding the SM paperwork. At WM maybe you don't want to fill it out, but at other places it might be good. We discussed the SM paperwork during the past two weeks on this thread.
Jul 18, 2015, 7:13 pm
#1493
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 393
After knowing most of the CSRs at a Boston's mall, I didn't need to fill up the form and could just email the manager about my orders.
I moved a few months ago and some luck finally struck today when I was being assisted by a manager. I handed her a pre-filled form which she appreciated and noted she wished everybody would do the same. I told her about my experience in Boston, she then handed me her business card and said I could do the same here too.
I moved a few months ago and some luck finally struck today when I was being assisted by a manager. I handed her a pre-filled form which she appreciated and noted she wished everybody would do the same. I told her about my experience in Boston, she then handed me her business card and said I could do the same here too.
Jul 18, 2015, 7:40 pm
#1494
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: Total Rewards Diamond, Wyndham Diamond, Marriott Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 564
If you do the math, which has already been done for you, any 2% CB card gets more CB up until $45,000 is spent per year. At that point the Barclay's card overtakes the 2% CB cards by $1 in total profited CB. That calculation was made before the recent devaluation of the Arrival +. The Venture stayed in last place no matter how much you spend.
Jul 20, 2015, 3:23 pm
#1495
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 1,337
FYI, got denied this weekend for the first time on a second $10k order in same day at a different mall. Been doing this with wife for a year now without having the FinCen $10k per person per retailer rule brought up (gray area if it even applies). Dept of Homeland Security wannabe belittled me for having already purchased $10k earlier in the day (she checked computer which is a first). I've had troubles with this same person for saying it was a federal rule that each card had to have a sleeve, so I don't know if Simon is telling CSRs to follow the rules more strictly now or a one-off case. Will keep all informed next round of purchases.
Jul 20, 2015, 8:33 pm
#1496
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,727
FYI, got denied this weekend for the first time on a second $10k order in same day at a different mall. Been doing this with wife for a year now without having the FinCen $10k per person per retailer rule brought up (gray area if it even applies). Dept of Homeland Security wannabe belittled me for having already purchased $10k earlier in the day (she checked computer which is a first). I've had troubles with this same person for saying it was a federal rule that each card had to have a sleeve, so I don't know if Simon is telling CSRs to follow the rules more strictly now or a one-off case. Will keep all informed next round of purchases.
I did learn that they really need you to sign the paper because she forgot to have me sign it and called me up to return. Luckily I hadn't left the mall before she realized the error.
One question: I keep calling to set a pin. On SM cards is the pin automatically the last four digits? I ordered one online and that SM card was set to the last four digits. The calling to set a pin is a pain but I've figured out when to start entering each part.
Last edited by Chelski; Jul 20, 2015 at 8:41 pm
Jul 20, 2015, 8:50 pm
#1497
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: IAH
Programs: DL DM, Hyatt Ist-iest, Stariott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 12,790
The default pin is always the last 4 digits. I think I set the first one I ever bought to my MS default PIN and then stopped bothering because it wasn't worth the effort.
Jul 21, 2015, 8:30 am
#1498
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: BOS
Programs: Marriott, AAdvantage, United, Club Carlson
Posts: 1,687
Hey - any help appreciated here...
I did the SM gift card thing once. It was a pain to have to drive to mall, then drive to Walmart then do the check request online.
any way to do SM all online? it would help a lot!
thx!
I did the SM gift card thing once. It was a pain to have to drive to mall, then drive to Walmart then do the check request online.
any way to do SM all online? it would help a lot!
thx!
Jul 21, 2015, 8:40 am
#1499
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 800
Which SM and which WM are you going to? Guessing by your username you're in the Boston area?
Jul 21, 2015, 8:54 am
#1500
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: Hyatt Globalist No More..., Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 4,375