Disney's Gift Card Scam

[lanejudy]

They said I entered the pin incorrectly 3 times, which triggered a fraud lock on the funds. I know I did not enter it incorrectly because I triple checked the number before I submitted it.

Yes. I had the card sitting in my account for months and even used $100 of it at Disneyland in May. It was never an issue that I bought a bad card or that it never had money on it. It was the fact that my card suddenly showed that there was nothing on on it with no transaction history.

Is it possible that when you partially used the card in May someone “skimmed” or stole the number? Then THEY tried to use it but entered the pin incorrectly, resulting in the lock.

 

[Akck]

I had something similar happen when I was paying DVC dues. When I hit submit, the system just spun forever and the card listed $0 with no payment made. Calls to DVC and Gift Card Services went nowhere. I was directed to Parks and they could see a payment in limbo. They restored the gift card balance but I believe it would’ve restored in a few days once the transaction fell off the pending list.

 

[MINNIE OF TWO MICE]

Update: The emails I sent to Disney Gift Card were finally answered and they reinstated my funds. They said I entered the pin incorrectly 3 times, which triggered a fraud lock on the funds. I know I did not enter it incorrectly because I triple checked the number before I submitted it. This is a computer error on Disney's part, not mine. Luckily the lovely people at Disney Cruise Lines gave me an extension to pay my remaining balance. I just want people to know that this could happen to them if they are going to use the cards. I would advise not waiting to use the card to pay for tickets or cruise balances and to pay with them right after purchase and to know that you may also encounter a glitch or misguided fraud protection. If you have a cruise, I would suggest paying with the gift card on the phone and not using the online system. Too many issues! I still have issue with their customer service who lie and tell you it will be fixed in an hour, which is just not true. The ONLY way to get help is to send an email. I still maintain that the savings the gift cards provide is not worth the the hassle. I'd rather book through my travel agent and get their $150 onboard credit than go through this process ever again!

I use both the gift card and the onboard credit. I book through Dreams Unlimited for the onboard credit. I purchased my gift card through Sams Wholesale website. I buy the E-cards. They are email only gift cards and provide a larger discount. I combine all to one card and make one payment with that card. I do this as soon as I purchase them. Even if you don't owe anything on your cruise and you want the credit on there for excursions, you can put that gift card money on your account.

I combine on Disney website. I keep copies of all of the emails from Sams, the emails from combining and screenshots as well as when I make the payment. If I were purchasing hard cards, I would also go through Sams and have them shipped to me. I don't think they ever hit the stores and a little less worried about the number being stolen in store. (It's really a shame we have to think about these things!) I saved enough to pay for my tips and then some.

Sams does limit you to 4 (200.00 each on email delivery) in a certain length of time so as soon as you know you're going, start buying them. I had my sisters buy them for me too.

I'm glad they got your issue straightened out and hope you have a fabulous time on your cruise.