Gift Card Scam??
I purchased an Apple gift card from Target on 9/2/2022. It was for $100. When I opened the gift card, part of the redemption code was whited out. Therefore I could not scan or enter the code manually.
I took the card back to Target and they stated gift cards could not be returned and directed me to call the number for Apple on the back of the gift card.
I called Apple and they said that they couldn’t help me because part of the code was obscured.
I asked to speak to his manager and he stated that he couldn’t escalate me any higher. So I asked that he must be Tim Cook. He laughed and said “no.” I then asked to speak to his supervisor and he said he could not provide me with anyone else to talk with. He did say I could write Apple a letter - as in a snail mail letter - and mail it to corporate. Haha!!
I brought it to his attention that there are two reasons why my gift card was whited out. One, either the printing company they use has horrible quality control. Or, Two, it is a scam that someone is committing. First, they take the gift card out, copy the code down. Then white out part of the code and put it back in the outer sleeve. Finally, they wait for someone to buy it and activate the card. He responded by saying “no, I am not aware of any scam.”
Is this a known scam? And how can I get my money back?