Beware of fine print

[KennethG641518]

You know how AARP helpfully warns members to beware of unscrupulous companies that use fine print to deceive customers? Well... 

I ordered an AirBnb gift card yesterday morning from AARP Rewards. I didn't receive an email confirming the transaction, even though my credit card was charged immediately. I used the chat hours later and was told I should receive it within 24 hours of the order. I waited well over a day later and called AARP. I was told that someone would get back to me in 5-10 days. (Not necessarily provide the card I purchase, but get back to me). When I said I wanted to cancel the transaction because I wouldn't need the card by then, I was told I couldn't. They then pointed out fine print: "AARP further reserves the right to extend delivery times in its sole discretion and without compensation or reimbursement to Participant for any reason."
I see now that there are a number of posts going back over a long period in this online community from other AARP members who had similar experiences. Clearly, AARP knows this is a longstanding problem, but instead of trying to fix it and give people what they paid for in a timely way, they prefer to say, like many scam companies, "But you should have read the fine print..."

[KennethG641518]

An update: After repeated complaints, I just received the card. I'm grateful for that, but am not inclined to use AARP rewards again for gift cards. I also don't find it comforting that AARP's immediate response, instead of resolving the problem, is saying that I should have read the fine print....

[SereneSeagull]

That’s why I only use the points.  Trust but verify doesn’t work, always be wary does, unfortunately