Like us on the GiftCardRescue facebook page and answer this question,

“________ gift cards are ideal for the Spring season because ____________”

You can post the answer on our Facebook wall or comment under the post. We will pick two winners this Friday (5/18/12) for $25 gift cards to Boston Market. All winners must email customerservice [at] giftcardrescue [dot] com by Sunday 5/20/12 to claim their prize.

Alabama EPPICard (Child Support & Unemployment Insurance Benefits) – Customer Service

California EPPICard – Customer Service

Florida EPPICard – Customer Service

Georgia EPPICard – Customer Service

illinois EPPICard – – Customer Service

Indiana EPPICard – – Customer Service

Iowa EPPICard – – Customer Service

Massachusetts EPPICard – – Customer Service

Mississippi EPPICard – – Customer Service

Nevada EPPICard – – Customer Service

New Hampshire EPPICard – – Customer Service

New Jersey EPPICard – – Customer Service

New Mexico EPPICard (Child Support & Unemployment Insurance Benefits) – – Customer Service

New York EPPICard – – Customer Service

North Carolina EPPICard – – Customer Service

Ohio EPPICard (Child Support & Cash Benefits) – – Customer Service

Oklahoma EPPICard (Child Support & Unemployment Insurance Benefits) – – Customer Service

Pennsylvania EPPICard (Child Support, L&I, SWIF) – Customer Service

South Carolina EPPICard – – Customer Service

Texas EPPICard – – Customer Service

Utah EPPICard – – Customer Service

Virginia EPPICard – – Customer Service

For the fees associated with the Indiana EPPI Card, see below:

For the fees associated with using the Texas EPPI Card or how to reach the Texas EPPI Card Customer Service, see below:

To learn more about EPPI Cards fraud and scam, check out this article.

The Florida EPPICard, which is also called the Florida Child Support Card is issued by the state of Florida as a better way for recipients to get their child support payment. The Florida EPPICard is a Debit MasterCard and can be used everywhere Debit MasterCards are accepted. For a full review of the Florida EPPICard, including how to log into your account, check your Child Support Payment History, check your card balance, or reach customer service, visit EPPI CARD help.

For the fees associated with using the Florida EPPICard and how to contact Customer Service, see below:

The EPPICard, also known as the Child Support Card is a prepaid debt card that is used by a number of states to make unemployment,  child support and other welfare payments to recipients. The cards are issued under the Visa or MasterCard brand and are currently used in 25 states. They are managed on behalf of the states by Affiliated Computer Services, or ACS, which is owned by Xerox.

The EPPICard has been a recent target of a variety of internet scams, the most common being “phishing” attacks. Usually, a phishing email requests that the user log in to verify their account status, but re-directs them to a fake site, where their log in information is then captured, to be used later to access their account, steal personal information and funds.

How To Avoid The Scam

• Do not access your EPPICard information from public computer terminals, including libraries, Internet cafes or unsecured Wifi locations.
• Do not respond to suspicious e-mails that appear to be sent by Eppicard or ACS. If you are unsure, call the EPPICard customer service number listed on the back of your card. If you do not have the customer service number, you can find that information here (just select your state from the drop down menu).
• Do not open email attachments from senders you are not familiar with. If you recieve an unusual attachment from a familiar source, contact them first before opening it.
• Shred or destroy old EPPICard statements. Do not just throw them away.
• Carefully monitor your transaction history on the Eppicard website and report all unauthorized purchases immediately.
• If you lose your EPPICard or think it is stolen, report it immediately so that the card can be cancelled and a new one issued to you.

A Continuous Phenomenon

Day by day, e-gift cards are growing in popularity and retailers are jumping on the bandwagon. This is revolutionizing gift giving in many ways, essentially driving gift card exchange behind the scenes.

E-gift cards are popping up in multiple forms. Most retailers are turning to the e-mail recipient method however many can be brought up on a smartphone. Amazon even provides a facebook delivery method which may very well be the method of the future.

In most cases, one can set a delivery time for these gift card transactions making things very easy for gift card consumers.

By The Numbers

BankRate.com released an annual gift card survey last November which found that 51 percent of 63 popular gift cards it reviewed offered an e-card option which was 10% higher than the previous calendar year.  Of the 45 retailers surveyed, 26 had e-card options including the like of Macy’s, Starbucks, Best Buy, and Target.

Rebekka Rea, executive director at the Retail Gift Card Association said ”Retailers are adding them in droves,”  and that “It’s definitely something that if retailers don’t have now, they are behind.”

But why you might ask? Just imagine that you remember your brother’s birthday is tomorrow and you need to get him a gift card 5 states away. Why not drop something nice in his inbox at ease and your convenience?

Another negative of hard plastic gift cards is the cost. Some retailers are charging hard card fees as well as any shipping charges you may face online.

Chief executive of CashStar.com, David Stone said “There are two reasons why consumers don’t use gift cards today. We don’t have time to go to the store or wait for the plastic to be shipped and they’re not personal enough”.

With technological development comes market advancements. The world of e-gifting is growing rapidly and is sure to continue peaking. As more retailers make this option available, we as consumers continue to reap the benefits of this change.

Popular Retailers Who Offer E-Gift Cards

• Target [Check Balance]
• Walmart [Check Balance]
• Best Buy [Check Balance]
• Starbucks [Check Balance]
• Toys R’ Us [Check Balance]
• Sephora [Check Balance]
• Kohl’s [Check Balance]
• Amazon [Check Balance]
• Macy’s [Check Balance]
• Chilli’s [Check Balance]
• Staples [Check Balance]
• Home Depot [Check Balance]

Sometimes purchasing gift cards for children can be a hard decision. We often find ourselves at a loss for what’s hip or cool. The generation gap can prove to be an obstacle for parents, family, and friends alike. Let’s be honest, no one wants to buy a gift for a child if they have no use for or aren’t going to enjoy spending it. Some gift cards though, are almost always going to hold value and will most likely appeal to children no matter their personality, hobbies, or interests. This list is broken up into categories by age and will specify boy or girl if it pertains, beginning with gift cards proper for all ages.

All Ages

Ben & Jerry’s

Even adults love ice cream but most children probably like it even more. The safe bet here is that if a kid doesn’t like ice cream or is lactose intolerant, you will most likely already be aware. Ben & Jerry’s, a popular ice cream shop with locations all across the country, offers individual pint coupons for only $4. These coupons can be redeemed at any retail store that sells B&J pints or at an official Ben & Jerry’s shop.

Target

Why Target and not Walmart? Well, Walmart gift cards are pretty universal too but Target carries more appeal for children. For starters, the cards themselves are more fun and personal. Their cards are much more engaging, like the light up Christmas line.

Target also has carries inventory, specifically clothes, geared more towards the appeal of children. Their clothing selection is extremely diverse and “cool” for lack of a better term.

Cinema/Movie gift card

Movies are getting a bit expensive these days. There is always something in theaters for kids of any age. Giving the gift of a cinema gift card is almost a sure bet for success. This gives children the option to use their card to do something with a friend or family member which is a bonus in itself.  For those older boys, it gives them a chance to take a special someone on a movie date, which is an inevitable adolescent experience we have all surely enjoyed. Regal Cinemas seems to be the most populated location and we would suggest using them.

Ages 6-9

Boys

Lego Store 

Lego Store gift cards are downright awesome. The cards themselves are extremely creative and the options for redemption are endless. Lego has done the job of appeal for you, with features like Spongebob, Harry Potter, Super Heroes, and even Architecture collections.

Gamestop

This is for the gamer. As technology continues to evolve, younger children become more prone to video game and computer exposure. Gamestop offers everything from video games to systems and accessories as well as movies. With a huge selection, a Gamestop gift card gives the recipient the chance to select from many options.

Girls

Build A Bear Workshop

Build-A-Bear workshop gift cards are more than just pick and buy. At Build-a-bear, kids are given the chance to engage in a fun activity where they actually complete the process of creating their very own stuffed animal. From choosing an animal adding the heart, these workshops offer an actual connection between the child and their product which can last for years to come. The experience is worth just as much as the stuffed animal they walk out of the store with.

Toys-R-Us

This one is actually a solid bet for boys and girls. Toy-R-Us is like a wonderland for any young child with isles full of toys, games, bikes, and more. You can be sure that any kid’s eyes will light up when they get their Toy-R-Us gift card and they realize that they will soon get to make the trip of every young child’s dream.

Ages 10-15

Best Buy

Consider Best Buy as the Toys-R-Us for tweens. With everything and anything electronic you could ask for, a Best Buy gift card basically can’t go wrong. This provides the chance to redeem the gift for new releases, new technology, and car audio. These cards are sure to put a smile on every kids face.

Visa Gift Card

Why not give them the gift of any choice. That is essentially how a Visa Gift Card functions, able to be redeemed anywhere Visa is accepted. Not to be confused with a Visa prepaid card, Visa gift cards do not carry all the fees and are flat rate. These are non-reloadable, like a Vanilla card.

Should You Receive A Gift Card That You Don’t Want

Don’t let it go to waste. Try using GiftCardRescue.com, where you can exchange gift card, or even sell gift card for money back on every dollar. With over 350 partnered merchants, GCR provides an easy, secure, and transaction guaranteed service tailored to those who find themselves with unwanted cards just like you. Visit their website or give them a call today and let their top notch customer service team help you out.

Whole Foods is the world leader in natural and organic foods with over 310 stores in North America alone. A company based on strict standards, Whole Foods a model for grocery stores everywhere. Whole Foods attributes their success based on a mission to provide “food in its purest state — unadulterated by artificial additives, sweeteners, colorings and preservatives — is the best tasting and most nutritious food there is.” (Directly from their website).

Aside from their product standards, Whole Foods is polished all around. I came to this conclusion when I visited the gift card page on their website where I became thoroughly impressed with the layout, available options, and general ease of navigation.

Gift Card Review

Whole Foods offers an array of options when it comes to their gift certificates. The first option consumers have is between physical cards and a mobile/email card. Yes, I said mobile. WF gives you the opportunity to send a gift via SMS.

Physical:

• Eight choices of gift card images for birthdays and celebrations
• Amounts: $20-$500
• Optional personalized message
• Free ground shipping

Email/Mobile:

• Recipient receives card instantly
• Option to print OR display certificate on smartphone for use (WOW!)
• Amounts: $20-$500
• Optional personalized message

Whole Foods gift cards also have the ability to be reloaded. They offer a one time reload online where you can deposit funds directly from your bank account onto the card up to $500.  Also offered is a gift card account feature which provides customers the chance to manage the gift card. If you sign up for an account you can set up auto reloads based on a schedule or a minimum balance as well as view transaction history and gift card balance.

Check Your Balance

To no surprise, Whole Foods makes it very seamless and easy to check your cards balance. You can do any one of the following:

• Call customer service at 866.833.5591
• Register for a gift card account. (Suggested method)
• Visit the website here. On the bottom right side of the page you will be asked for the gift card number. Plug it in and click “Check Balance”.

Whole Food Gift Card FAQ’S

Q. Is there an additional cost for gift cards bought online?

A. No. There is no additional cost for gift cards bought online. Also no activation, service or inactivity fees.

Q. Do you charge a service fee? Does my card expire?

A. No,  their cards never expire and we have never assessed a service fee to use our gift cards or for inactivity. Some of their older cards have some verbiage about a $2/fee, but this was never enacted, and will not be in the future.

Q. What happens if my gift card has been lost in the mail?

A. Please be sure that you allow enough time for the card to be processed and shipped. After that time, please call the helpline at (866)833-5591 or email wholefoods@vcdelivery.com so we can track your card.

Q. Can I resell my Whole Foods Market gift card?

A. Unfortunately you cannot sell gift card or exchange gift card. Whole Foods market only permits resale of gift cards through our non-profit fundraising program.

Q. If a gift card is lost or stolen, can it be replaced?

A. Gift cards cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. Gift cards should be treated like cash. For this reason, Whole Foods advises you to choose UPS for your shipping method as it is more secure. Under certain circumstances and if the card has not been redeemed, WF may be able to reissue a card if you have your gift card number and proof of purchase.

Gift cards are becoming more popular every year leading to a plethora of merchant options for consumers. These days, you can buy gift cards just about anywhere from the actual retailer to convenience stores, internet auctions and more. With more options available to buyers comes more viable ways for scammers to attack. Here is an example of a scheme used by scam artists recently which has made news across the country:

The crooks have found a way to rob you of your gift card balance. If you buy Gift Cards from a display rack that has various store cards you may become a victim of theft.

Crooks are now jotting down the card numbers in the store and then wait a few days and call to see how much of a balance THEY have on the card. Once they find the card is “activated,” they go online and start shopping.

You may want to purchase your card from a customer service person, where they do not have the Gift Cards viewable to the public.

Although this may seam highly unlikely to happen to you the truth is that is has actually become a popular plot. Where does this kind of scam occur? Any retail or convenience store with card displays that are not controlled or behind the register. Frauds can jot down the pin and card number before waiting for activation. Once activated, they are able to expend the funds online essentially leaving you with nothing. This became a huge problem this past holiday season due to the fact that consumers would activate cards at purchase before giving them as gifts. The period in between became a perfect window for gift card fraud.

More Gift Card Scams and Threats

•  Counterfeit, used, or stolen gift cards for sale on auction websites
• Scam artists who lie about the available funds and sell the cards on auction sites. Buyers do not get what they think they purchased.
• Using stolen credit cards to buy gift cards before turning to resale for profit.

How To Protect Youself From Becoming A Victim