Shelby w Cwg

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Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Quebec

Won’t work

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Vanilla Mastercard - Won’t work
my card was used but the payment was refused but now i have no money on the card so id like to have my money back
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Loss:
$25

Preferred solution: Full refund

Ramona D Ndo

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Verified Reviewer

Fraud and company abuse

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I purchased a Vanilla Mastercard and loaded $500 on it at Walmart. Less than an hour later I checked to make sure it was loaded before giving it as a gift. It had .59 cents remaining of the $500. I had not given it to anyone nor used it myself. Apparently, the numbers on the card were read with some kind of electronic reader either before my purchase or on my way out of the store. The card was emptied before an hour past its time purchase. I called Mastercard got all the payment amounts and electronic charges online, then filled out the paperwork and faxed that in. The phone call to Mastercard did take the theft complaint, give me a case number and give me the charges made in Paypal. It was loaded into someone's Paypal account then used to make purchases until depleted. On the phone Mastercard reported the charges were stopped as I reported it so quickly. After doing their paperwork and faxing that in and WAITING for refund. I called in to learn they have 90 days to "investigate" while holding onto my $500. This theft happened on 11/25/2020 I am writing this on 2/23/2021 and having just called to check into my case. I'm still waiting for refund. I was told they still have until 3/15/21 to finish their investigation. After a few more questions I was informed that the charges went through on this card. I protested that was not true that I caught the theft within an hour or so of purchase and was informed the purchases were "allowed". It's bad enough to have $500 withheld, now with the "allowance" of fraudulent purchases, I strongly suspect my money will not be refunded. INSULT TO INJURY! These cards do not operate by the same laws that Credit Cards must operate under. I will NEVER BUY another gift card and STRONGLY URGE that no one else buy one either. They need to be put out of business as these cards encourage theft and fraud. Even when caught in time to stop the theft, Mastercard allowed it to happen.
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Loss:
$500

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: DO NOT BUY NOR USE MASTERCARD VANILLA ONE CARDS!

1 comment
Ramona D Ndo

No one should ever buy these cards. They are being electronically scanned and the card information stolen while still in the store.

Once the card has been purchased it is promptly drained. My first experience the card was emptied less than 3 hours after purchase. The second instance I watched carefully to make sure no one was around when I made my selection, when I checked out no one else was in line and no one came close leaving the store. The card was emptied the day after purchase.

Walmart claims ignorance, but they do not protect these cards. Neither card had been opened or tampered with in any way. In one case the card was used online using Paypal to make purchases. The other card had an in person charge at Nordstrom's, store 535 and two purchases at Macy's.com totally draining the second card.

The Nordstrom's store number turned out to be in Burlington, Ma. On the first card, the online charges were accidently discovered quickly and Mastercard or their contractor reported the charges were still pending and stopped. Unfortunately, they allowed further charges the following day instead of freezing the account or cancelling the card. Then they take 90 days to "investigate".

Sending me a check for $101.70 even though I stopped all charges and their error allowed more. The 3 month to investigate does not help. Walmart destroys surveillance videos, before the investigation is complete, again of no assistance. Store managers will not even speak with the customer defrauded.

A floor supervisor suggested I file a Police Report. I completed the Police Report today and will drop it off at the Police Department tomorrow. I have just received the 101.70 by mail and will promptly deposit the check tomorrow. There is a considerable balance as both cards had been loaded with $500 each.

This has been a nightmare of incompetence from the beginning. Walmart is complicit in this theft by not securing this particular type of card under lock & key leaving on display for easy scanning. Scanners pick up card number, exp. date and the 3 digit # on the back.

Thieves can use the numbers online or make a duplicate card from blanks for use in a store. The Vanilla One Mastercards should ONLY be packaged in RDF proof packaging. This card states they do not have to follow the same rule of law because they are "gift" cards although looks like a credit card to consumers with account number, exp date, Mastercard Logo and 3 digit # on the back by the signature block.

PLEASE DO NOT BUY OR ACCEPT THESE CARDS. RISK OF FRAUD IS TOO GREAT.

Anonymous
map-marker Shidler, Oklahoma

$120 gone from card

Keeps saying card is not valid and then hangs up but they sure used up $120 More than I have used in the last 3 weeks
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Tanya B Tyi

Card Expired

I bought a visa mastercard in December 2020 and I just tried to use it and it expired already, only 2 months after I bought it.
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Loss:
$100

Preferred solution: A replacement card

jolanta m

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Cannot use it on poker stars and/or party poker

I bought $50 vanilla master card for poker and for the first time it was declined, and I did not get my refund from the store. What a waste of time and paying activation fee. When I called 1800 number they told me that I can get my money back except the activation fee of $4.95, but when I went to the store the owner said no. What a rip off. I am very disappointed and this is a very bad business for them.
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Loss:
$55

Preferred solution: Let the company propose a solution

User's recommendation: don't buy it, it will be a waste paying the $4.95 the activation fee

Anonymous
map-marker Vancouver, British Columbia

Vanilla Mastercard Canada -- Invalid Postal Code

I purchased a prepaid Vanilla MasterCard from Shoppers Drug Mart. As I wish to use it on-line, I went to the vanilla website to register my postal code. The available balance of my card appears to be correct, but when I attempt to enter my postal code on the vanilla website, in order to register it for on-line purchases, the error "invalid postal code" appears.

I have tried the correct format and capitalization, as well as with small letters with and without the space. I have also tried other postal codes, and even a US zip code, but all produce the same error. I even tried using a different browser and a different device, and still encounter the same problem. I'm not willing to wait on the phone for hours (as others have reported), only to be given the run-around.

Lesson Learned: DON'T BUY VANILLA CARDS. Use a different provider for your pre-paid credit.

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Reason of review:
Damaged or defective
84 comments
Guest

Frr

Guest

This is certainly a SCAM COMPANY .I received a vanilla prepaid MasterCard for $25.00 which unfortunately expired because of Covid. I have been phoning the company for the last six months spoken to managers to no availability sometimes left on the phone for several hours and no one comes on, they are always asking whether my address is valid, which it is as I receive mails from all over the world.

The line I keep hearing is the card shall be sent within a month and six months onwards nothing has arrived.

Why has this company been allowed to rip innocent people of their hard earned cash. Can someone please advise what can I do the get my refund.

Guest

i called and they refused to do anything.

Guest

noting

Memory Mnw

U have to use upper cases and space between the 3 -3

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Memory Mnw

Yup this worked, try this out plz

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Memory Mnw

TY SOOO MUCH !!!

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Memory Mnw

YOU ARE THE BEST

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Memory Mnw

Thanks!!! That work

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Memory Mnw

So stupid that this isn't made clear on the website.

View more comments (83)
Sidwell M Ieu
map-marker Centurion, Gauteng

Gift Card cannot activate

Vanilla Mastercard - Gift Card cannot activate
I have received a vanilla Mastercard gift and it does not want to activate. I gives a message that the card number entered has not been found. Here is the card number: 5164 88** **16 3562
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Anonymous
map-marker Harlan, Kentucky

I'm unable to pay my att bill

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I keep getting error codes each time i try to put in my payment info i have checked and double checked and even registered my card and still the same issues. have been trying all day
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Reason of review:
Problems with payment
Justin F Jrk

And I thought you couldn't get worse than PayPal

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I got a $75 prepaid MasterCard and activated it. So far, so good. I actually bought a few things. Later that day I went to check the balance and it was completely gone..$61.00 to Nintendo. Now the fun begins... I have to call get things reversed, wait, wait and wait. They said the will send a new card, but how? Not one person took my address.
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Loss:
$61
Pros:
  • When the card works
Cons:
  • Lack of responce
  • Inability to contact customer service
  • Length of time to resolve
Reason of review:
Poor customer service

Preferred solution: Full refund

Larah M
map-marker Kitchener, Ontario

Awesome

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Love I love this card!! I am able to order online for the first time with this!!!! Like
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Reason of review:
It works on online websites
Richard A Bxs

Replacement card issue

I called for my expired card that had a blanance of 50$ on it, I was to be sent a replacement card in that amount, now I have yet to receive this card. It may not be with Vanilla and was the post office as we had an issue with the carry stealing parcells etc. My name is Richard Anderson 175 Thomas ave Wallaceburg Ont Canada, N8A 5H6 was the address. Can you resolve this issue and send me the replacement card, but please send to MY NEW MAILING ADDRESS 1019 Weber St E, Kitchener, ON, N2A1B4 Thank you Richard Anderson card number? 5113 40** **77 **** email onegreatfinish@***.com
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Loss:
$50
Reason of review:
Problem with delivery

Preferred solution: Deliver product or service ordered

Cassian Ozi

Vous être fraudes par l'interieur

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Plainte a venir gouv. Du Canada.
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Dominique S Cqk

Card error

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Husband received a gift from his brother and could not get it to work, so passed it along to me. I tried to get balance online and received an error message. Called the 1800 number and received a message that the number was invalid. When I was finally able to reach a human, I was told that the card had not been activated correctly. I was told that if I had the receipt, that they could send me a replacement. When I stated again that the card was a gift from brother-in-law, I was told that I could open a case, but that the case would not do any good without the receipt. I was then asked if I wanted to open a case or try to get the receipt. When I asked what was the purpose of opening a case if it would do no goos without a receipt, I was simply asked again if I wanted to open one... Pretty much talked in circles. Pretty pointless. I guess that is $ down the drain for my brother-in-law.... and a lesson to check a balance/ activation immediately for my husband.
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Loss:
$50
Reason of review:
card not working, and customer service of no help.

Preferred solution: Full refund

April B Dfo

Gift card used before opened

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I received a vanilla Mastercard for Christmas and when I went to use it, someone had already purchased something t Saks 5th Avenue. When I called for help, they said I should have reported it sooner because there was nothing they could do now. Such a joke. These people are scam artists.
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Brenda R Ojw
map-marker Melrose, Ohio

UNABLE TO ACCESS FOR BALANCE

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I've tried to access my card number for a balance inquiry, and am being told it's an invalid card number. No immediate help in sight..other than a phone number that puts you on HOLD forever...I WILL NOT be using Vanilla again...
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Pros:
  • Security of putting only as much money as i want
Cons:
  • Know exact amount remaining in order to use up the balance
Reason of review:
Poor customer service
Anonymous

A waste.

Was gifted a card, activated the card,a couple days later i use it for the first time and it didn't work. I checked the balance history I activated it only to get it scammed 8 hours later? There's no where to report it but only ways to avoid it. Absolutely ridiculous.
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About

Related Companies

InComm, Vanilla Gift, MyVanilla, OneVanilla, Vanilla Visa

Summary

Vanilla Mastercard is a gift (reward) card: special prepaid card which you can give as a present to anyone instead of useless items which the person probably doesn't need. Cardholders can use it in any situation, from paying for dinner at restaurant to online-shopping. Last time more and more gas stations also receive payments in this form. This card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, and currently it is one of the most popular gift cards in the USA. Vanilla Mastercards are available in denominations from 10 to 750 dollars. For safe and more convenient use the company recommends to register your card online on its official site.

Vanilla Mastercard reviews and complaints

Vanilla Mastercard is ranked 94 out of 199 in Cards category

Area Served

USA

Payment Methods

VISA

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