Recently, there has been an uptick in credit card fraud reported by people who regularly shop at GiftCardMall. I came across an article from Doctor of Credit, speculating about this. Lots of people commented on the post. Some confirmed that their hacked credit cards were only used at GiftCardMall.
While I can’t say definitively that GiftCardMall has been hacked, there seem to be increasing reports that it might be the case.
My Experience
This past week, I noticed a significant increase in fraud activity during the last week. I’ve received fraud alerts from Citi and Chase, inquiring about charges that I did not make. Most of them ranged from $20 – $80.
My dad got fraud alerts from Citi for several online purchases. Then today, my sister got a fraud alert from American Express. I was really glad to see that the banks have been on top of it and verifying these charges. The charges don’t look abnormal on the surface, so it was definitely a relief to see that they’ve been on top of it.
Every single one of our hacked cards was used at GiftCardMall. And while I have not yet received fraud alerts for other credit cards I use for manufactured spending, I’m now going to review the transaction history on every single account more closely in case any fraudulent charges were overlooked.
It’s a huge hassle. I can’t believe stuff like this still happens when the banks are telling us how much security has been improved with chips and other technology. But at least they’re monitoring accounts for fraudulent charges and covering them.
Should You Stop Using GiftCardMall?
We don’t know for sure that GiftCardMall has been compromised. There are a few reports from people who insist their hacked credit cards had only been used at GiftCardMall. But that could be coincidental. Who knows. This is why I’d like some feedback from readers in the comment section, to figure out how widespread this is.
Regardless, I’m personally taking a break from ordering gift cards off GiftCardMall. I had an issue with Ebates/Rakuten not honoring over $300 worth of cash back on my dad’s account. They’re being really shady about it and uncooperative.
I’ll likely wait until other portals increase their cash back rates to 1% or settle for a slightly lower payout from TopCashBack, which has always been reliable. Even if I’ll earn less cash back, at least I know they won’t swindle me out of $300. Until, of course, they do.
Anyway, please let me know in the comment section if you’ve had any fraud alerts involving credit cards that you’ve utilized at GiftCardMall.
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Shop at gift card mall 2 x weekly never had issue yet, let’s hope it’s just a coincidence. My Amex has a fraudulent charge and that was the only card I never used at gcm.
Try BeFrugal they have always been good with tracking orders and paying out
Thanks John! I think I’ll move my shopping portal activities over to BeFrugal once this mess has been resolved.
EVM Chips do nothing for online security or fraud. It’s honestly old technology and had it was in use almost 25 years ago in the EU and at the 96 Olympics in Atlanta
I had no idea. It’s pretty baffling that they started mass-outfitting cards with these chips a couple of years ago despite the technology being so old.
Two cards were hacked this week – 1 Visa and 1 Amex. Both used at GCM. Huge hassle.
I suspected my card was compromised at GiftCardMall but I wasn’t sure. Someone tried to buy Air Canada tickets using my card when it was flagged by Chase as possible fraud. Now, hearing others, I do believe it was GiftCardMall.
I think so too, especially based on some of the comments.
It happened to me. I made a $1000 purchase at GCM on my Fidelity 2% card. 3 weeks later had a $599 fraudulent purchase on it. Luckily I caught it a few hours after it happened. I won’t be using GCM for quite a while.
My Fidelity card hasn’t been hit yet, but I’m guessing it’s a matter of time.
2 citi cards with fraud issues. Neither used at GCM. all the cards I have used at GCM, no issues so far.
All of my Citi cards were used at GCM, but in the past I’ve had fraud issues like this with Citi even though I wasn’t MS’ing.
I had two CCs compromised this week, AMEX Business Marriott Bonvoy for $1 in AIRBNB and I am not 100% sure this was from GCM.com because I use the card everywhere. However, the same day my Sears Shop Your Way Master Card was also illegally charged for $697, and I immediately saw both charges in my usual morning’s check-ups and I am 100% sure is from GCM.com, because I got the card on Monday, use it in GCM.com on Tuesday and that’s it.
It is the first time I got two Credit cards compromised on the same day after ten years of use, so I bet these issues are coming from Giftcardmall.com.
I called all the banks to replace cards, and they have erased these transactions. Also, called Giftcardmall.com, and they have followed up with me, so I am glad it was just a few minutes concern.
Also got a fraudulent charge in my Chase Ink Preferred for $8.99 in Chipotle Online.
These $1 charges have me stumped. I guess a “friend” lists a property for a $1 and they test out whether they can use a hacked card? And if no fraud is triggered they charge larger amounts.
I suspect the problem is with Gift Card Mall. Citibank is replacing my Double Cash credit card due to a bunch of unauthorized transactions attempted early this morning. The fraud fits the pattern others have reported. What a mess.
Agreed. Total mess.
Just checked Capone card….$3100 fake charges out of Puerta Rica and Florida ( I live in California).. shortly after using on Gift Card Mall…
Purchased the gift card and not even 20mins later $270 was gone