Most articles about gift cards are fine and dandy when the writer tells you that there are some additional fee's involved so be cautious when purchasing one. Either the writer(s) are uninformed or in a hurry. Just to tell the public that there are hidden fee's associated with a gift card is not enough.

Let's tell it like it is!

Position to be filled:  Sales / Procurer

Qualifications: The ideal candidate  must be generous, hard working  and be self motivated Preferably a sociable type. Must have own transportation and a reliable  vehicle. Must be 18 years of age or older. Needs to know area and belong to civic clubs and and maintain a current religious affilation. Must have a history of loyalityl.

Duties: To procure individuals, family members, relatives and cronies from organizations or groups that you associate with. Your main function will be to assist parent company in obtaining , cataloging and identifying current as well as future sources of revenue. Candidate  will assist upper and lower management increase our customer data base. The successful canditates responsibilities do not include the cataloging of personal information  to be used for mass mailings nor will candidate be involved in the re-selling  of this private and personal information as this is reserved for in house activities. The minimum requirements for this position is that the applicant  has the ability to purchase items without adult supervision.

Benefits Package;

                              Starting salary $000.00

                              Benefits            $000.00

                              Car allowance   $000.00

                              Advancement    $000.00

                    Please call our personal office at: Wegotcha Inc. 555 8484

Of course this is another absurd example but this is exactly  what the purchase of a  "Gift Card" is, a sneaky ploy retailers have developed to get the consumer to solicit customers, PERIOD.  The disadvantages far outweigh the benefit.  (see our article $6.15 gift card on sale for only $25 in "credit card scams").

If you are intent on purchasing a Gift Card for someone be sure to read all the small print and avoid any card that states "call for additional terms and conditions, has a dormant account fee, activation fee, refund fee, termination fee, or any charges  to either the purchaser or the recipient otherwise you are working for the retailer for FREE.

There are different types of cards available for just about any type of business  you can think of .

Why so many? Because there is a ton of money to be made. Not only that but in most cases the company will dictate how you use the product. THey love the control factor. If you don't follow the rules set forth it's better for the company. They will cancel you out and keep your money if you don't obey.

Here's an example. This thumbnail  is a gift card displayed in a Walgreens drug store. There were about 30 different types from different companies, each with different terms and conditions. The print on the back is typical of the lott. This one is very small even though it is reproduced 2 1/2 times it's original size so you will have trouble reading it therfore it is reprinted (only a segment) word for word. (for those of you who have browsed your CD this should be a piece of cake)

"telecommunications services is provided by Virgin Mobile USA LLC. Airtime pruchases ae intended for doestic and international usage originating in the United States, and may be used only for calls made from phones purchased from Virgin Moble. The value of this card cannot be applied to any other wireless service.

Virgin Mobile and Walgreens do not accet returns or provide refunds for Top-up cards, are non-refundable once applied to your account.

To keep Virgin account active you must add at least $20 to your Virgin Mobile account balance every 90  days. If your account remains inactive for 60 days, you will lose your phone and balance. Calls are billed in one minute  increments with a minimum time per call of one minute. Airtime rates  are subject to change without prior notice. Additional surcharges (see dictionary,surcharge, this site or your CD) and taxes applyl Please contact your Virgin Mobile at your service at 888 322 1122 or visit our web site www. Virginmobileusa. com with any questions concerning service from Virginia Mobile. If you are not able to resolve your concerns with Virginia Mobile you  may file a complaint with the Federal Communications Comission Washington DC, 20554 

There is no doubt that this is a questionable company to do business with.