I bought a $130 Ultimate gift card from someone on FB MP on 31/12/24. I was happy with the risk as he provided specific details to verify his personal identity, plus the 30% discount was worth the risk for me. It was an online transaction and once I paid the money and he provided the card details (pictures of both sides of the card). I was able to verify the balance & also add it to my Apple Wallet no problem. I told him to cut up the card so no one else could use it.
3 weeks later, I noticed that there was an issue with the card in my Apple Wallet. It had a message, something about contacting the card issuer for details. Similar error when I try to check the balance or exchange the card for an eGift.
I contacted Ultimate GC's who told me that the card was reported damaged on the 31st, and a block had been applied to it. I messaged the seller to see if he knew anything, both he and I tried to contact their support via phone & chat but long story short they won't do anything with the proof of purchase. The seller tells me that the person who gifted him the GC (Xmas present I assume) also gave him a receipt with it, but he hasn't been able to locate it.
I've tried asking support if adding the card to my Apple Wallet might've triggered an automatic block but they won't say. The timing seems very odd though.
He has said he's willing to provide a refund but I said I'd post it here just to see if anyone has any ideas or similar experiences.
Cheers
Lol