[Now Happening] Target Deactivating Gift Cards Purchased with Promo Abuse

[Update 12/6/17: Sporadic deactivations are now happening for ultra heavy hitters. I think they are basing it off the card used, so if you varied cards for each purchase you’re probably safe.]

Quick heads up: word on the street is that Target plans to deactivate some gift cards which were purchased by abusing the 10%-off deal from Sunday and refund the payment method used for purchase.

A similar thing happened last year where Target drained some gift cards for people who ‘rolled’ Target gift cards. We don’t know yet whether this time the deactivations will occur only on ‘rolled’ purchases; my gut tells me it’ll be a bit more broad this time. Even then, it’ll probably only affect those who did multiple online purchases from a single billing address or perhaps those who did more than $300-worth on a single credit card.

We’ll see…In the meantime, keep an eye out on your gift cards to make sure the balances are there. If they aren’t, double check that the refund posted properly to your credit card.

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anthonyjh21
anthonyjh21 (@guest_541717)
December 27, 2017 00:46

So I just got back from Target and when trying to have them scan saved GC from my phone (target account) every card beyond the first card required I obtain an access code from my email. I had 3 cards and had to do it for the second cards. The manager said it was a new security thing they implemented since “the gift card stuff from the holidays.” Was bad timing too since I had my 1 and 3 year old with us and they weren’t happy.

Suffice to say they’re obviously dealing with a lot of fraud from this deal.

Mary
Mary (@guest_536080)
December 15, 2017 16:10

Careful people! I bought my $300 Target gift card on 12/3/17 at my Pasadena, CA store. I went to use it today and there was no balance left. I called Target gift cards and yes they saw it was bought on 12/3 and redeemed on 12/10 at a Target store in Irvine, CA which is no where near were I live. I’m now waiting on the phone to work with Target’s fraud group (the gift card rep said fraud is experiencing a massive amount of calls).

Al
Al (@guest_541667)
December 26, 2017 21:31

Same exact thing just happened with one of our Target gift cards. We are in Maryland but they said the card was used in Irvine, CA. Target has started the investigation. Did this get resolved for you?

Layla
Layla (@guest_533052)
December 9, 2017 15:16

They did drain some of the cards I bought but no refund yet on my account, any idea by when should I expect a refund. thank you

Dan - Legal Bank Robber
Dan - Legal Bank Robber (@guest_683533)
December 2, 2018 20:47

3-5 biz days

Frito Pendejo
Frito Pendejo (@guest_532053)
December 7, 2017 13:00

My 3x $300 gc transactions on one card all posted fine. One in store, two online.

Frito Pendejo
Frito Pendejo (@guest_541047)
December 24, 2017 17:15

Update – still fine. Nothing drained, nothing refunded. No issues. I got physical gift cards btw not E-cards

Kim.
Kim. (@guest_531964)
December 7, 2017 11:23

I purchased $300 online, then again in a store with the same Discover Card. Online purchase was pending at $270 for a day, then posted at $45 (I ordered 6x $50 cards) so they are definitely doing something with online orders…

Al
Al (@guest_531934)
December 7, 2017 09:52

Buy something with the GC and return it for a new GC if you’re worried about deactivation.

kalf8483
kalf8483 (@guest_531877)
December 7, 2017 05:31

Well last year Target deactivated gift cards WITHOUT refunding the original rolled gift cards.

Dave
Dave (@guest_531730)
December 6, 2017 22:05

I bought $300 from one store and then decided to buy $200 on the way home from work at another store. I used the same Discover card. Hardly a heavy hitter. How is Target notifying people of deactivations? Email? Are they just finding out that the GC are empty?

JTS
JTS (@guest_531744)
December 6, 2017 22:25

I’m in exact same boat. First time buying target GC with the 10% off deal. Did $300 at one store, then 2nd purchase wouldn’t go through due to fraud alert but once that’s resolved stopped by another store and did another $300. Same card. I think people are just checking the balance online and/or checking if a refund was issued.
I’m also wondering which one of those transactions will be voided.

MoreSun
MoreSun (@guest_531782)
December 6, 2017 23:54

Quit wondering, spend it! There has to be some 3rd party gift cards you’re in!

BJ
BJ (@guest_531698)
December 6, 2017 20:49

I definitely am glad Target is cracking down…I don’t know why everyone has to abuse everything….Seems like many people on this site and those similar lack morals.

Bob
Bob (@guest_531726)
December 6, 2017 21:56
  BJ

Talk to me about this when banks and retailers develop morals themselves k

J
J (@guest_532207)
December 7, 2017 16:33

Others lack of morality is no reason not to display morality yourself.

That said I think there’s nothing immoral about taking advantage of deals like this. It’s offered, it’s legal. Just because a deal or exploitation of a deal is unprofitable to a retailer or bank doesn’t mean it’s immoral.

Bob
Bob (@guest_531727)
December 6, 2017 21:58
  BJ

You think retailers care about morals when they phish for your business??? You think banks care about morals when they embezzle and engage in predatory lending??? I could go on for ages.

Jason
Jason (@guest_531774)
December 6, 2017 23:44

So you take the firm stance that two wrongs make a right.

Bob
Bob (@guest_683527)
December 2, 2018 20:40

Taking advantage of this promo is not a “wrong.”

Dan
Dan (@guest_531776)
December 6, 2017 23:45
  BJ

Wont someone please think of the corporations!!!1

mike
mike (@guest_531646)
December 6, 2017 18:23

i would like to liquidate these because of some of the stories here – can i use the target gift card to buy visa or ma gc???

thx