of any kind, i immediately call and check the balance and or ask for the payment receipt, i dont feel this is rude, as i have had the wrong amount be on one when i was told it was something else.
IN my experience a lot of providers start off as sugar babies, some leave it when they become providers some don't. Here is a real story written by a man (Hobbyist himself, who has written reviews) who claimed his "friend" did this.
Ladies protect yourself. Never accept giftcards as form as payment and always use your better judgement. Remember that if anyone scams you, you should let everyone on the boards know. Not because you are bitter or trying to get back at garbage such as this individual but because you want to prevent it from happening to others. Someone scams you say something don't let trash walk freely.
Providers and hobbyist feel free to leave a reply with ways new ladies could protect themselves and what to look for.
For Newbie hobbyist I believe a few threads down there is a thread on how you can protect yourself and the common scams that occur on your side (I suggest you read it)
I've never used prepaid gift cards, but I think I would call or go online to check the balance before accepting one as payment. It's outrageous that someone would scam a girl like that, but it seems like an easy scam to avoid. Still, I'm sure your warning will help someone who may not have thought about it otherwise.
Scams are something all of us need to be aware of, esp providers. Unfortunately, there unscrupulous hobbyists out there who will do just about anything to get something for nothing. However, providers are not a scam-free bunch either. Think of all the cash and dash storied you may have read here or heard from others.
Bottom line is, we all need to be careful. That's why providers screen and hobbyists do research.
LLAP,
Swim
This is a cash business, for a reason. I have used gift cards to transfer gifts... but that's separate from any payment.
why we want to do our own verification, and ask specific questions. That sort of thing makes my blood boil. And yes, scams going in either direction is horrible, and leaves a bitter taste in one's mouth. However one feels about this profession/lifestyle, I feel there is always room for dignity, respect, compassion and basic human decency. Thanks for the reminder to be vigilant. xoxo
of any kind, i immediately call and check the balance and or ask for the payment receipt, i dont feel this is rude, as i have had the wrong amount be on one when i was told it was something else.
I haven't done this in a while, but GCs used to have the visible number to purchase and load the card and then another number underneath the scratch-off covering to activate it. When receiving a card, make sure the scratch-off is intact or, if the giver of the GC has copied down the numbers, it will be a foot race to see who can empty the card first.
If they've changed things, please excuse me and post the new procedures
I don't generally do gift cards so I had to do a little research... Gift cards are often out on the store floor, they are worth zero until they are activated at the checkout. I read reports of people lifting cards, recording the numbers (manually or with a scanner) & then putting them back. When they are activated, grabbing the money. It's theft, no matter how you figure it.
Recommendations are":
to NOT buy gift cards that are on public display.
Do Not buy or accept gift cards with the pin "scratched"
Watch when the gift card is swiped at checkout to see it activates correctly.
Keep your reciept as long as there are funds on the gift card. (Some retailers will replace cards
Beating a dead horse here, but it might be helpful to some ...
The barcodes and visible numbers (including 19-digit GC number) let you purchase the card and load money onto the card.
The PIN, hidden under the scratch off material, is required to start taking money off of the card and buy stuff or to move the money elsewhere.
If you are given a gift card, you can call the 800-number and ask for the balance using the big, long GC number. "Great! $500! Let's party!"
But if the guy has given you a card with the scratch-off scratched off, and he has copied down the numbers including the PIN, the minute he leaves he can make a purchase and wipe out the balance leaving you with a worthless piece of plastic.
If the PIN is already exposed, decline the GC.
-- Modified on 1/14/2016 12:43:33 PM
I have focused my thread below of scams clients would want to be aware of. This scam can run in the other direction or be done to any of us.