CHASE SELF-SUPPORT AND CROSS-SUPPORT UPDATE!
I've removed the "self-support" thread on DISchurners in light of some new information I discovered today.
I know of MULTIPLE people who have received letters from Chase about misuse of the Ultimate Rewards program related to support links. Interestingly enough, these letters were dated PRIOR to the whole reveal on Monday about this "loophole". One person received 4 letters (one for each of their accounts...including accounts they didn't even get any clicks on). Another reports receiving 3 letters. I'd imagine that this will surface on r/churning at some point but I will not be breaking the news there as I did NOT receive any of these letters (but I'm also not doing any of the activities that I believe caused the letters.) I am sharing here because I think our community would want to understand what the potential risks are here.
The common things between these users (perceived as misuse by Chase) that IMO could potentially have triggered these letters are:
- Using old links on an expired card to exceed Chase's limit for total support links on a card
- Altering links to generate a support link for a card you do not currently hold (i.e. what that thread was all about)
- NOTE: This is definitely not related to any MS activities so no need to be concerned there. One user does not MS at all and received multiple letters.
I know that first comment could concern people here as sometimes we'll advise keeping your link active after you've PCed the card (i.e. like a CSP link for a card that is now a CFU). I personally would ONLY be concerned about this if you are using this method to EXCEED the max number of support points on a card. I don't believe Chase is going after somebody who generates 1 or 2 clicks in this manner.
The letter clearly stated that if they do not stop this misuse of the "support" program that their accounts will be closed. One user I spoke to feels strongly that this is totally about the first bullet comment and not about the item revealed on Monday (my second bullet). However, that same user had already said that they had attempted the altering links method, some did not track, and that they felt the risk was not worth the reward on that any more.
So in light of this information I feel that I cannot in good conscience advocate for generating "self-support" and "cross-support" links to cards you do not currently hold as we discussed Monday. It's clear that Chase is paying attention to people who are abusing their support program. If somebody feels strongly that they want to attempt that, I'll be happy to send them the information but I don't want newer folks stumbling on that thread thinking it's a viable way to earn points. IMO, the risk there is not worth the reward.
In general, I feel this should not be a huge concern to anybody here. I don't believe any of us were engaging in actions like this BUT I want to put all of this out there as a warning (and explain why I took down what may have been viewed previously as valuable information). I would instead recommend that we continue to pay-it-forward by using support links of friends here, and definitely use a spouse support link (or self support) whenever possible with legitimate links on cards you hold.
I will now open the floor up to questions... (LOL, this just feels like I'm making a prepared statement! )