Carnival Gift Cards/ AARP SCAM! - BEWARE

[d655791g]

The issue of Carnival Gift card purchases is a popular one since at least 2020--Google and read the boards. Payments won't go through (even though it's the same payment used to buy membership). I'll share my experience over the last year.  I was told it could be a website problem (since 2020?), but I think they don't have the cards in stock and it's 'broken-on-purpose' so they can keep getting memberships based on that amenity.  I called customer service and spoke with someone, who wanted me to go through my privacy settings on my computer to allow 'invasive ads,' etc.  Absolutely not--she must have thought I was an idiot (and downright suspect).  There was no action on AARP's part and cards couldn't be purchased.  I wrote something on the boards and customer service posted a polite little message saying to reach out.  I did so and NEVER GOT AN ANSWER.  No action on AARP's part and problem not fixed with hundreds of other people having same issue.  Problems with not just the gift cards, but the rewards points are a joke and other services are bogus.  I am NOT renewing membership to this USELESS organization and will be signing up for AMAC, where at least reviews are stellar and crap GETS DONE.  

[RussellP197074]

A few years ago I was having the same issues.  At that time I determined that my issue was that my credit card did not have the same exact name that my AARP membership had in my profile.  Just a difference with a middle initial or lack thereof would cause the payment handling company to reject it, but AARP would still see it as approved. After finding a credit card that would allow the purchase to go through, I have used it since without any issue.  At the time I reported it here.  Apparently AARP customer service can't research previous comments on similar issues.

[RussellP197074]

I might have seen this thread earlier, but some time ago AARP removed the link at the bottom of the page in REWARDS to this forum, and I don't check it as often now.

[LillianH843993]

What's AMAC? 

---

@d655791g wrote:

The issue of Carnival Gift card purchases is a popular one since at least 2020--Google and read the boards. Payments won't go through (even though it's the same payment used to buy membership). I'll share my experience over the last year.  I was told it could be a website problem (since 2020?), but I think they don't have the cards in stock and it's 'broken-on-purpose' so they can keep getting memberships based on that amenity.  I called customer service and spoke with someone, who wanted me to go through my privacy settings on my computer to allow 'invasive ads,' etc.  Absolutely not--she must have thought I was an idiot (and downright suspect).  There was no action on AARP's part and cards couldn't be purchased.  I wrote something on the boards and customer service posted a polite little message saying to reach out.  I did so and NEVER GOT AN ANSWER.  No action on AARP's part and problem not fixed with hundreds of other people having same issue.  Problems with not just the gift cards, but the rewards points are a joke and other services are bogus.  I am NOT renewing membership to this USELESS organization and will be signing up for AMAC, where at least reviews are stellar and crap GETS DONE.  

---

[d655791g]

The Association of Mature American Citizens.  It's the conservative alternative to AARP.  It's not as large and popular, but it does look after senior citizens instead of trying to fleece them.  

[TanyaC852051]

Edit…it figured out why mine was not working this may help others not sure…so I have starlink internet and when I was trying to pay aarps site thought I was out of country. My ip address was not showing USA. So I had to change it. You have to be in the USA to buy anything on their site. 

This is happening right now to me. Same payment type and info as buying a membership buy can’t purchase gift cards it just gives errors. I’m thinking this whole thing is a scam. Reported to bbb but I’m sure it’s not going to help. Looks like I should have researched more before buying membership. So frustrating.

[AntonioZ684435]

can you let me know if it works now for you because im having the same problem and i bought the membership for this exact reason and now i regret it.

[TanyaC852051]

I have figured it out, at least for me. So when I went to pay somehow my ip address was showing another country. So I used a vpn and made sure it was showing the USA. It worked perfectly. AARP did finally call me and I think because I have starlink internet the aarp site thought I was out of country. You have to be in the US to purchase anything. Hope this helps. 

[AntonioZ684435]

I’m going to try it hopefully it helps but I never noticed the country on the ip. Btw what vpn did you use?

[TanyaC852051]

It is just a free one I think it’s just called vpn (a green key symbol). I’m sure any would work. 

[AARPConsumerCare]

Hi @TanyaC852051, I'm sorry to hear you're having issues with your purchase. Please send me a private message or use the "CHAT" feature located at the bottom of the page to take a look at this error together. Thank you. - Diana G.

[DeannaD336279]

This happened to my son on Friday June 21! I bought 2 Carnival gift cards 3 weeks ago with no problems! I am baffled!!

[jw8244921]

I appreciate the sentiment and I too am regretting joining AARP.  Half the stuff does not work, and apparently the only way to use points is for sweepstakes???? Just another gimmick.  As for the "discounted" gift cards such as Carnival, I get better discounts through my credit union - and it works.

[ToniC615904]

 I have to agree.  I wanted to get Celebrity gift cards & called up to ask questions.  That's when I was told it could take up to 2 weeks to get them!  Since I needed to make a payment within a few days, had I not called, I'd be out HUNDRED of dollars - unless I took another cruise.  Ripoff!  & yes, their rewards points are a joke - so many problems with the games where they don't work or won't give you points.  Or, what about the little quizzes?  "Take this & get 450 points"  I waste my time taking it only to get a message saying " no points because you already took it".  Guess what? I never took it before!  Very disappointed.

[AARPConsumerCare]

Hi @ToniC615904, here to help. Usually Digital Rewards will be delivered to your within 24 hours for orders submitted during normal business hours (8 am - 5 pm EST, Monday – Friday). Delivery times may exceed 24 hours in certain instances. If you didn't get the gift card that you purchased, please send us a DM to take a look into this. - Diana G.

[ShawnS117888]

I just successfully ordered 5 Carnival Gift Cards from AARP.  The glitch I noticed was not being able to enter the CVV.  I refreshed my screen and was able to enter my CVV and enter my CC information to complete the order.  I have noticed this same issue on other sites

[AARPConsumerCare]

Here to help! To resolve website related problems, you may need to clear your cookies and update your browser to the latest version, use a different device or Operating System (OS) or try a different browser. Please visit our help site: https://aarp.info/2I3wo4C for more information about supported and unsupported browsers. -Carla S.

[DirkB349973]

There is lots of good info on this linked page about what is supported. 

[d655791g]

I'm so happy you were able to get results with the purchase and sincerely hope you are able to redeem them successfully, too.  Unfortunately, it hasn't worked for me (or many others).  There's definitely been an ongoing website glitch for several years.  It says there are problems with the payment method, but there weren't similar problems using the same payment method for membership.  It's just been a year's struggle for me with extremely shady AARP customer service assistance, so I'm a bit salty.  I have to post a buyer beware every now and then. 

[AARPConsumerCare]

@d655791g It's time to get this fixed. Have you had an opportunity to reach out to us to have your issue escalated? Please contact us for further assistance: https://aarp.info/3epCObA  - Janelle M.

[TanyaC852051]

Why are you not just fixing your system instead of making everyone go through this. It’s frustrating. You obviously know it’s a problem so fix it. 

[FanceeDubbleU]

How about fixing whatever is preventing so many people from being able to buy gift cards that's been going on for YEARS?

How about AARP not having to repeatedly 'escalate' our issues for WEEKS yet never finding a resolution, while our money is tied up in your hands?

How about fixing our problem or refunding us the FIRST time we call instead of wasting our time with repeated phone calls - and having to wait 3-5 days in between these calls?

How about explaining why there are payment processing issues for gift cards but not for the AARP membership when we used the exact same payment method?

How about taking some AARP staff off of the message boards and on the phone to take phone orders, so if there is a problem it can be immediately addressed?

[AARPConsumerCare]

@FanceeDubbleU  Thank you for reaching out! We value our loyal AARP Rewards users, and our members. If you are having an issue, we're here to help! Visit: https://help.aarp.org/s/article/contact-aarp?cmp=SNO-LITHIUM---&socialid=14083192795 Take care!  Jodee R.