Promotional Email GiftCard $5

A: I too thought this was a scam and contacted Target about it. ANNNND basically made a fool of myself. My items totaled up to $78.11 and the charges on my card (including the $5 charge) added up to $78.11 as well. It's not a scam and the total amount is legit.

A: Steve's answer is correct. If you do not buy the card, you pay full price for the items. If you buy the card, you get $5.00 off, and then pay $5.00 for the card. That first transaction is a wash, but then you have a $5 gift card for a future purchase. They are counting on people not using that gift card and then they are ahead.

A: My husband figured it out. We really are getting a free $5 amount to spend at Target in the future, but it's confusing. The policy states,"Your account will be charged the amount of the qualifying item reduced by a Target discount in an amount equal to the amount of the gift card, and a separate charge for the amount of the gift card will be assessed." For example, say you spend $25 to qualify for the order. Target reduces the amount by $5, so $25 - $5 = $20 total. Target then charges you $5 for the gift card and charges you $20 for the purchase. The original cost of your purchase was $25 total, and you paid $25 total in two separate payments of $20 and $5, but you now have a $5 gift card to spend on a future purchase that you did not have before. So we are getting an additional value of $5 for future purchases. It's a brain twister.

A: The reason they do this (my theory) is that so people cannot buy the requisite items, get the free gift card, and then return the items for full price thereby getting the "free" gift card for nothing!! C'mon don't tell me people would not OBVIOUSLY do this!!!

A: I'm sure everyone here has clicked on the email promo card and end up here. What is actually happening is your opening a page where you may purchase the item clicked on- $5 gift card. What target actually did was sent a separate email specifically for the gift card. And when opened it has a barcode that you can redeem at store. Hope this helps.

A: Where this is a scam is when you as for a full refund on an online order, the refund amount is less the cost of the promo card, so you end up with a purchase of a gift card. SCAM!!! UNETHICAL.

A: I ran into this and had to read multiple times to make sense of it. The items do indeed get reduced by $5 on the original invoice and then they charge you $5 for the gift card. I bet some accountant came up with this for tax/finance purposes.

A: You actually do get the $5 or whatever amount of gift cards. Say if you buy $50 worth of items and it qualifies you to receive two $5 gift cards. When you see your credit card charge, Target only charged you $40 plus the taxes. But when they credit you your gift cards of $5 each, they will charge you the remainder of the $10 ($5 twice). Just remember your purchases added up to $50. It's just that you were charged $40 only and a few days later they charged you $5 twice ($10) for the remainder of what you owed. Your two $5 gift cards will be applied to your account to use. An odd way of doing it but you do get them.

A: Yes, they just charged me 20.00 & 5.00, for their offered gift cards. It's a scam. Just buy what you wanted too. I don't think the items are reduced. It's sneaky.

A: Same for me. Target sends emails that I earned a e gift card but you turn around and charge my company card on top of my purchases. My recent purchase was for work and now I have to show documentation as you charged my company card for the "earned gift card".

A: I think the only way around this is to buy for these promotions in the store only. I'm not falling for this again online. And I'm only online ordering the quantity I need, no more additional quantities to get the promotional gift card....for which they charge.

A: Happened to me too. Chat service rep gave illogical reasons. Received $5 gift card for preordering something and they charged my account $5 to receive it. I said it was a “wash” and she said the items were reduced $5. No, they were already on sale.

A: Target wants to make money off all of us who think we are getting a gift card. Don’t fall for their scam

A: Maybe I'm wrong, but I think what they do is apply the promotional gift card to the current purchase, charge you for the gift card, and then you still have the gift card available for your next purchase. I wonder what genius came up with this plan. Surely a great way to confuse and alienate customers. It's even more unforgiveable that customer service reps are unable to explain what's going on.

A: Yes because when you place an online order, the items are never packaged well and/or damaged. If you try and get your money back with a promo card, you end up paying for the promo card!

A: I think they do it like that because people used to buy the product, get the gift card, then return the product!

A: EXACTLY (mzzzmilam)!! I just stock up on the items I normally use anyways and get as many gift cards as possible. I have saved sooooo much $$$$ on Target purchases this way.

A: No. I do like Target and Target.com is very convenient for my shopping. But I'm not ordering additional quantities anymore to meet the promotion quantities. Only ordering what I need. Will save me money by ordering less items and not being charged for a promotional gift card.

A: if they are trying to rip me off definitely

A: seems like a scam & Target's involved. I'm considering to not continue as a Target Customer. as one writing review suggested.

A: The Target GiftCard can be sent by mail, email, or text message.

A: No, the Target GiftCard has no expiration date, providing lasting value for your purchase.

A: Yes, you can add a personalized message during Checkout, except for mobile GiftCards.

A: Report suspected scams to local authorities or the Federal Trade Commission for assistance.

A: GiftCards can only be used at Target stores or on Target.com, not for other gift cards.

A: Hello - We appreciate your interest in this item. No, Target GiftCards don't expire. Hope this helps. - Kevin

A: CJ - Thank you for your question. For further assistance with this query ,We kindly request you to reach out to our phone specialist team at 1-800-544-2943 during the business hours. Hope this helps. - Kate

A: CJ - Thank you for your question. For further assistance with this query ,We kindly request you to reach out to our phone specialist team at 1-800-544-2943 during the business hours. Hope this helps. - Kate