Self check out or by Human

always do SCO.

the scammer's technology are different level now! in the summer, I brought several VGCs, no any visible signs on the package showed the packages have been opened and sealed. Once removed from the package, the cards looks normal, no scratched account numbers or CVV codes, however the card's magnetic strip have been destroyed. Nothing happens when swiping the cards at the terminal. checked card balance online, the money is still there. Eventually had to cal the inComm CS to get the replacement cards.

how to check the VGC window to confirm that card is not tampered? after several times I got bad cards, right now I full open the cards and carefully examine the cards before buying.

Refer to my thread on this https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manu...-tampered.html

The numbers on the vgc barcode should match the numbers on the packaging.

the barcode shouldn't be smooth, if it is smooth then a scammer put a fake barcode on top of the vgc

peel the window a bit to see if the glue dots are still there. If not then the vgc has been tampered with. Also check if you can see the 3 digit code, sometimes scammer will scratch off the code.

after getting hit by those tampered cards in summer, right now, I just tear the strip to open the card to see if everything is good, no missing numbers, no fake barcode, and etc.

You open packages prior to purchase? Any pushback yet from store personnel?

I used to do SCO, but now it seems SCO VGC is dead in my area, don't know what to do next. :(

any amount like 1 $500 still work at SCO? any rate, cashiers @ MCs in WM & grocery stores are ok for me to open & inspect the cards with my CC on hand ready to pay; if anything looked out of ordinary, cashier kept that card & scanned another one for me

A $500 VGC I brought BIN 40975823 can't be used in WM, or anywhere in person. Works fine with Amazon. Vanilla have this message in their automated phone system, and on their website:
"If you need help due to a declined transaction and have sufficient funds to cover the purchase, your Gift Card was most likely declined due to security and safety measures in place to protect your funds. Use your Card in-person or at a different merchant online and make sure to include the card security code."
Well.... whatever these new security and safety measures are, its pain in the rear. Vanilla's solution is to replace the card for me.
If you need help due to a declined transaction and have sufficient funds to cover the purchase, your Gift Card was most likely declined due to security and safety measures in place to protect your funds.
Use your Card in-person or at a different merchant online and make sure to include the card security code.

It appears that the SCO system isn't functioning properly when purchasing VGCs. I attempted to buy four cards at one Walmart location, but when I inserted my credit card, the POS system requested associate assistance. After the cashier scanned their ID, all the card activations were reversed, and I verified my card pending transactions which showed a pending charge and a reversal. The same issue occurred at another Walmart store later when I tried to purchase four more cards.

4x500? have you tried 1x500 or 2x500?

Some Walmart stores SCO only permit the purchase of VGC to a maximum value of $1,000, while these two particular Walmart stores used to allow purchases of up to $4,000. so I usually buy 2k or 2.5k from them. I guess I have to try a smaller amount.

Anyone tried to use the Pathward cards recently at WM or grocery for MO? Just got 2 cards blocked, found out it's a block by calling the number on the back and had them reactivated.

Now been going in circles with an indian call center for 30min, trying to get out of them what exactly they consider "suspicious activity" and whats the thresholds. Clearly their front line phone support ppl have no clue as they repeat the same template response over and over.