Alleged Vanilla and Mastercard Scam 

At McCune Law Group, our team of experienced attorneys, who have successfully recovered billions of dollars for our clients from various financial institutions, are dedicated to protecting consumer rights. We have launched a recent investigation into the Visa and Mastercard Vanilla Gift Cards, following numerous complaints alleging these cards are highly susceptible to scams, rendering them unusable after purchase. 

Visa and Mastercard Vanilla Gift Card Issues 

The Visa and Mastercard Vanilla Gift Card, issued by TBBK Card Services, Inc., Pathward, N.A., or Sutton Bank under a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc., is a popular pre-paid gift card that can be used in-store or online. However, a class action lawsuit filed in January 2024 has brought to light troubling issues surrounding these cards. According to the lawsuit, scammers are allegedly able to monitor the balance of these cards. Once funds are loaded, the scammers quickly deplete the balance through unauthorized transactions, leaving consumers with worthless cards.  

The lawsuit further alleges that Visa and Mastercard, along with other issuers such as Pathward Financial, were aware of the card’s vulnerabilities but failed to implement necessary security measures. Despite allegedly knowing about these risks, these institutions did not inform consumers about the susceptibility of the cards to fraud. Moreover, when consumers reported that their cards had been compromised, they were met with refusals to refund the lost funds, adding to their frustration and financial loss. 

Consumers Unable to Use Their Cards 

The current complaints from consumers who have purchased or received Visa or Mastercard Vanilla Gift Cards allege that they are often unable to use the funds available on their cards, despite the cards being activated. Attempts to make purchases are frequently declined, even though the balance is correct. To make matters worse, consumers seeking assistance through the customer support number on the back of the card are met with automated responses that lead them in circles, preventing them from speaking to a real representative. This lack of accessible customer support leaves cardholders without a resolution, unable to use the funds they rightfully own. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

• What are the common issues consumers are facing with Visa and Mastercard Vanilla Gift Cards?  
  • Consumers are reporting a range of issues with Visa and Mastercard Vanilla Gift Cards. One prevalent problem is that after purchasing and loading funds onto the card, scammers monitor the balance and quickly deplete the funds through unauthorized transactions. Additionally, some consumers find that they are unable to use the funds on the card despite the balance being correct, with transactions being repeatedly declined both online and in-store. 
• Why are Visa and Mastercard Vanilla Gift Cards susceptible to fraud?  
  • These gift cards are vulnerable to fraud because scammers have found ways to monitor the card balances and make unauthorized transactions as soon as funds are loaded. Allegations suggest that Visa, Mastercard, and the card issuers were aware of these vulnerabilities but failed to implement effective security measures to protect consumers from fraudulent activities. 
• What happens when consumers try to get help with their compromised gift cards?  
  • When consumers realize their Visa or Mastercard Vanilla Gift Card has been compromised, they often attempt to contact customer support using the number provided on the back of the card. However, many report that they encounter automated responses that do not lead to a resolution and prevent them from speaking to a real representative. This lack of accessible customer support leaves consumers without a way to resolve the issue and unable to recover their funds. 
• What can consumers do if they experience issues with their Visa or Mastercard Vanilla Gift Cards?  
  • If you are experiencing issues with your Visa or Mastercard Vanilla Gift Cards, you should document your attempts to use the card and any interactions with customer support. You should also consider seeking legal advice from our attorneys who can help assess the details of your case and determine if you are eligible to join a lawsuit.  

How to Start Your Potential Case 

If you believe you have been victimized by these alleged issues, contact our team today for a free evaluation. We will review the details of your situation and determine if filing a case or joining a class action might be the next step. Here is what to expect in the process:    

1. Step 1: Research and Gather Information – Before reaching out, gather all relevant information about your case. This includes details about the charges and any other parties involved. Take note of the date and time.     
2. Step 2: Call or Complete the Form for Initial Evaluation – Use the phone number provided or online form to contact our team. You may find it helpful to prepare a summary of your case before making the call or completing the form. This will ensure you provide essential details of the case efficiently.          
3. Step 3: Schedule a Free Evaluation – Request a free evaluation to discuss your case in detail. We offer free initial evaluations to assess the viability of your case. During this meeting, you can share the specifics of your situation, ask questions, and get a better understanding of how our attorneys can assist you in a lawsuit.          
4. Step 4: Prepare for the Evaluation – Before the scheduled evaluation, organize all relevant documents and be prepared to articulate the details of your case clearly. This will help the attorney assess the merits of your case more effectively. During the evaluation, feel free to ask any questions you may have about the legal process, potential outcomes, and our approach to financial lawsuits.       

Our Attorneys Standing By 

Our team at McCune Law Group has a long history of holding financial institutions accountable. Our notable victories include a $203 million verdict against Wells Fargo, a $70 million verdict for unfair overdraft fees, and a $35 million national settlement for overdraft fees. With over 30 years of experience, our attorneys are known for their aggressive representation of consumers in financial services class action litigation against Fortune 500 companies. Our investigation aims to hold these financial institutions accountable and ensure that consumers are protected against such fraudulent activities. If you or someone you know has experienced issues with a Visa or Mastercard Vanilla Gift Card, we encourage you to contact us today.