USB VGCs done!
Feb 10, 2019, 2:48 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 920
USB VGCs done!
Hi all,
I've been out of the loop for a while, but still plugging along little by little.
My favorite route (purchase USB VGCs at Krogers, offload to whatever) has recently met its demise.
USB has recently tightened up their security. They've made it near impossible for fraudsters to steal thees GC numbers (was a huge problem for a long time).
However, one of the methods USB has implemented is to put a block on the card when one attempts to drain it in a single transaction. I'm not quite sure how they're doing this (blocking all purchases that drain the card at once? blocking large PIN transaction for large volumes?).
I noticed my MO location recently switched to WU machines. Maybe USB has some link with WU to detect this?
Either way, it becomes a pain to liquidate as you have to call in several times to get the card unblocked and this happens everytime.
Anybody else experience the same?
I've been out of the loop for a while, but still plugging along little by little.
My favorite route (purchase USB VGCs at Krogers, offload to whatever) has recently met its demise.
USB has recently tightened up their security. They've made it near impossible for fraudsters to steal thees GC numbers (was a huge problem for a long time).
However, one of the methods USB has implemented is to put a block on the card when one attempts to drain it in a single transaction. I'm not quite sure how they're doing this (blocking all purchases that drain the card at once? blocking large PIN transaction for large volumes?).
I noticed my MO location recently switched to WU machines. Maybe USB has some link with WU to detect this?
Either way, it becomes a pain to liquidate as you have to call in several times to get the card unblocked and this happens everytime.
Anybody else experience the same?
Feb 10, 2019, 3:03 pm
#2
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Dallas
Programs: AA, Southwest
Posts: 175
I usually don't get the Kroger ones because the pins aren't the last four but I used one last night (buying and liquidating in a hour). Did you enter your pin multiple times in error for the card to lock? No issues at Wally, where were you liquidating?
Feb 10, 2019, 3:10 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 920
Good to hear it's not a nationwide thing.
Maybe these techniques are limited to LA/OC? We have had a huge wave of fraudsters ravaging this area for years....
Multiple cards were used and all had the same reaction. PIN was entered (correctly) just once into a WU MO terminal before the card gets locked.
Liquidating in a cali-specific store.
Would love to hear more reports from other if you've been using USB! Take caution!
Maybe these techniques are limited to LA/OC? We have had a huge wave of fraudsters ravaging this area for years....
Multiple cards were used and all had the same reaction. PIN was entered (correctly) just once into a WU MO terminal before the card gets locked.
Liquidating in a cali-specific store.
Would love to hear more reports from other if you've been using USB! Take caution!
Feb 10, 2019, 4:58 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 920
This does not appear to be the same thing, but I cannot be sure. Either way, super glad to hear everyone else is getting by just fine!
Apologies for the chicken little post!
Feb 11, 2019, 6:20 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 5
I am in the LA area and USB VGCs from Ralph's loaded to Serve/BB had been my avenue also until 2 weeks ago...same exact problems you have described, OP. Does your MO location happen to be a WM? I'm trying to find out if the source of the lock is the USB VGCs themselves or if WM has hardcoded against VGCs.
Feb 12, 2019, 10:37 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 920
I am in the LA area and USB VGCs from Ralph's loaded to Serve/BB had been my avenue also until 2 weeks ago...same exact problems you have described, OP. Does your MO location happen to be a WM? I'm trying to find out if the source of the lock is the USB VGCs themselves or if WM has hardcoded against VGCs.
I probably could, but I have 0 clue where their "limit" is or if that even is the reason for the block. I'll eventually get rid of these... but will just stay away from USB (and lower cali residents should too).
Feb 12, 2019, 11:37 pm
#11
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: IHG, Hilton diamond (IHG match) SPG gold
Posts: 105
midwest
Had a panic attack bout 10 days ago. Bought 4 usb @ kro chain (under 2 k works at self check out). First two cards fine - next day “code 12” @ Wally, but meta was bau. Tried again after a few days - usb@ Wally bau. Did 4 today bau. Bau = Full value drain one transaction -
since 1k thing - routine is kro get 2x500 and 2x490.88 @ self checkout- go to Wally ask for one 990 - two trips more of pain but no hassles w csr no ID required
Had a panic attack bout 10 days ago. Bought 4 usb @ kro chain (under 2 k works at self check out). First two cards fine - next day “code 12” @ Wally, but meta was bau. Tried again after a few days - usb@ Wally bau. Did 4 today bau. Bau = Full value drain one transaction -
since 1k thing - routine is kro get 2x500 and 2x490.88 @ self checkout- go to Wally ask for one 990 - two trips more of pain but no hassles w csr no ID required
Feb 18, 2019, 3:18 pm
#14
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: IHG, Hilton diamond (IHG match) SPG gold
Posts: 105
Weird, it happened again:
same wmnm - same “new” terminal - the one that slides only face up.
1st 5c meta fine
2nd usb “card reader error”
canceled mo
walked over to self check and bought candy bar w usb debit and pin.
waiting for a day to try and drain at different Wally
other usb from same purchase drained in one transaction earlier.
same wmnm - same “new” terminal - the one that slides only face up.
1st 5c meta fine
2nd usb “card reader error”
canceled mo
walked over to self check and bought candy bar w usb debit and pin.
waiting for a day to try and drain at different Wally
other usb from same purchase drained in one transaction earlier.
Feb 21, 2019, 9:00 pm
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 920
Bought a fruit at self-checkout and MO'd out next day (but left some scratch on the card).
I suspect (((they))) are watching for full cashout of loaded amount, but it is strange how sporadic this appears to be. No idea if adding your KYC to card will help, but that's clearly not in the interest of time.
I'm still staying away from USB as it's just a pain when there's other options in the game.