Table of Contents
Introduction
Chooseyourcard.com has become a popular site for purchasing and sending digital gift cards. However, as with any platform involving money, there are risks of financial scams, security vulnerabilities, and consumer issues that users should be aware of.
In this in-depth review, we’ll provide an overview of chooseyourcard.com and the services it offers. We’ll examine specific scam attempts and security concerns that have been reported by users. We’ll also outline tips and best practices for staying safe while using the site.
About Chooseyourcard.com
Chooseyourcard.com is owned and operated by InComm Payments, a large payment processing company. The site allows customers to select from a wide variety of popular retailers and brands. Digital gift cards can then be purchased and either printed or emailed to recipients.
Key things to note about chooseyourcard.com include:
- Founded in 1995 and processes billions of transactions annually
- Accepts major credit/debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay for purchases
- Gift cards can be redeemed online or in-store depending on retailer
- Mobile app available for iOS and Android to send gifts on the go
- 24/7 phone and email support for customers
On the surface, it provides a straightforward way to buy and send digital gifts. However, as with any financial platform, certain risks and concerns should also be evaluated.
Reported Scam Attempts
Examining discussions from users reveals a number of scam attempts involving chooseyourcard.com:
Phishing Scams
– Spoofed emails appear to be from the site requesting personal details
– Links within emails download malware when clicked
Smishing Scams
– Fake SMS messages claim issues with orders to obtain credit card numbers
– Caller ID spoofing makes SMS scams impersonate the legitimate company
Impersonation Sites
– Typosquatted domains mimic chooseyourcard.com to steal login credentials
– Fake coupon code popups redirect to fake checkout pages
Bogus Deals and Tech Support
– Telephone scammers pose as company reps to gain remote access
– Third-party “money flipping” opportunities promise too-good-to-be-true ROI
No company is completely immune from having their name co-opted by scammers. Basic security practices can help avoid falling victim.
Potential Security Vulnerabilities
As with any online platform holding financial value, inherent risks also exist:
- Older website code lacking modern security measures leaves holes
-
Data breaches at parent company InComm could expose customer data
-
No automatic HTTPS ensures connections on public networks are secretly spied on
-
Contact details aren’t prominently listed, causing support issues delays
-
Two-factor authentication not mandated by default when high sums involved
While most likely experience no issues, some design and policy choices could enable opportunistic criminal behavior in rare cases if left unaddressed. Proper precautions are advisable.
Common Consumer Problems
User reviews also reveal potential downsides buyers should be aware of, such as:
- Inability to preview codes risks wasting money on expired/used gifts
-
Restricted use policies mean some retailers won’t accept digital cards
-
International orders face additional taxes/fees and slower delivery
-
Lack of mediators for disputes over faulty codes and post-purchase service
-
Policies allow order cancellations but no compensation for “change of mind”
While inconveniences, these gaps in protections mean some issues have no satisfactory resolution through the company.
Recommended Safety Practices
To help mitigate risks, it’s recommended users take the following precautions:
- Only purchase directly from the official https://chooseyourcard.com site
-
Enable two-factor authentication for associated payment accounts
-
Closely inspect URLs, sender details in unsolicited messages
-
Research any third-party sellers before considering non-verified deals
-
Keep records of digital orders in case of issues like expiry, faults
-
Set privacy settings tightly on related devices and online accounts
-
Be wary of unexpected tech support offers and never provide banking login data
With basic security awareness applied thoughtfully, average users can likely benefit from chooseyourcard.com safely. But none are fully shielded, so vigilance remains crucial.
Conclusion
When used responsibly, chooseyourcard.com offers a straightforward way to send gifts digitally. However, its involvement of money also makes it a target for opportunistic scams and hosts inherent consumer risks beyond its control.
With proper precautions, careful research and common sense, responsible customers can likely avoid potential issues others have experienced. But online marketplaces will never completely eliminate inherent vulnerabilities. Maintaining a risk-aware approach serves users best in any context involving finances.
Be the first to comment