Careful Using That iTunes Gift Card

[Jeff Campbell]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.macnn.com/articles/09/06/23/apple.battles.fake.cards/' target='_blank'>http://www.macnn.com/articles/09/06...les.fake.cards/</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"Apple is quietly combating fraudulent iTunes gift card offenders, writes the Washington Post."</em></p><p><em><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/at/auto/1245799610.usr105634.jpg" /></em></p><p>Basically what it boils down to, is after using some cards purchased on eBay, people have been finding that their iTunes accounts have been shut down. According to Apple they should have received an email advising them that it was going to happen so they could back up their music but according to some affected, it hasn't been happening. Buyer beware is very appropriate here. In my personal opinion, they should have known what they were getting into by purchasing a card on eBay at a discount, it just smells like a scam to me, but I'm not a very trusting person.&nbsp;</p>

[jdmichal]

I can't think of a time when a company has had a problem such as this, and has punished the purchasers of the item. Usually they use the purchasers to help track down the seller/generator. Seems like a bad move to me.

[doogald]

I can't think of a time when a company has had a problem such as this, and has punished the purchasers of the item. Usually they use the purchasers to help track down the seller/generator. Seems like a bad move to me.

Just one example that comes to mind: Microsoft lets people keep illegal copies of Windows and Office bought on eBay that have access codes that do not work?

[jdmichal]

Just one example that comes to mind: Microsoft lets people keep illegal copies of Windows and Office bought on eBay that have access codes that do not work?

Hrm... I guess I mentally classify pirated software in a somewhat different class than fake gift cards. But I suppose there's not that much of a difference in this case. Both just need a generated key to use.

Microsoft does at least have what I mentioned before, which is a program for reporting pirated software and tracking down sources.

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/

So I somewhat retract my earlier statement. But I still think it's a bit of a stretch to completely lock down their account. I could see maybe retracting any purchases made with that card. I could also see a slap on the wrist, and a warning that if it happens again, they will lose the account. (Unless they bought hundreds of dollars of these things... I think that would show a certain intent of using what are probably fraudulent cards.)

All I know is that if they locked down my account after I bought a card off eBay, you bet I'm not going to be too horribly motivated to help them out.