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PayPower review: Fraudulent Practices 29

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3:52 am EDT
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Recently purchased a Paypower prepaid debit card at the supermarket as I am currently between credit cards and needed to make an online purchase. After loading the card in the store, I was told I needed to activate and register it online. I attempted to put in the card's number as directed on the website to start the activation and registration process, but repeatedly got a "request failed" error. I rechecked the number and typed it out carefully at least 10 times, to no avail. I then went to register on the phone, as that was also supposedly an option. The number I was given was just to an automated message talking about tax returns or how to report a lost or stolen card, and I could NOT register or activate it. I'm surprised this so called "bank" was given a license from Visa, after seeing many other complaints online (including a complaint on this site) I have to conclude that this is a fraudulent company that scams customers. Do not even consider purchasing one of these cards. Customer service is nonexistent (contrary to multiple claims both on the card itself and in the TOS) and more likely than not you will have issues registering your card, if you ever get it to work at all.

TL;DR - PayPower prepaid Visa cards are a SCAM, no live customer service, multiple complaints online and the website won't allow you to register either.

Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

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29 comments
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IROC160
, US
Jun 18, 2016 8:34 am EDT

I purchased one of these cards and had my money direct deposited to this card and before I got home I received a call saying my purchase wasn't completed and that I needed to provide my SSN to complete the transaction. Idiot me did and they took all the money off the card. Immediately called customer service and they told me I had to file a dispute. I did that as well. Going into my 5th month now and customer service just told me that I needed to file another dispute. OMG... just tell me that your card is not secured or backed in any way or fashion and move on. This card and service is a very unsecured way to spend money. I highly recommend that you do not use this crap.

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Reviewer57142
,
Mar 04, 2016 5:14 pm EST

DON'T GET THIS CARD FOR YOUR TRAVELING CHILD. After purchasing this card, I was unable to load more money on it for my child who was 1000 miles away for 6 days. The customer service rep told me that I would have to wait 24 hours and try again. If that didn't work, then oh, well, it was just a gift card and I would have to find another way to get them money.

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NoPayPowerStopScam
, CA
Mar 05, 2016 11:26 pm EST

PayPower advertises that you can reload there card, when I register my card the website told me I had to be over 16 to register unable to register witch made the card void according to customer service. Funny thing I was born in 1966, I like the math there web site dose. How can they run a business with no customer service, first and last card I will buy of there's.

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Reviewer57790
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Aug 22, 2015 1:14 pm EDT

Worst customer service ever, there are other choices in the market, you should consider anyone other than Visa Pay Power card.

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Briann97303
Portland, US
Mar 04, 2015 5:46 am EST

I just got my Paypower card in the mail & I tried to activate it.
For some bizarre reason it said I wasn't entering the correct
Last four digits of my phone #! I tried again and again and then
They locked my account down. When we called customer service
The guy said that they have to "investigate" and that it would take
One to three days to resolve. My question is how can they Lock
And investigate a card account that doesn't even exist?
I have to REGISTER it first! There is no money on the account
So why are they acting so cautious? It's just a card that we
Elected for our tax return-The good news? I'm calling the IRS
& having the money placed in our Bank account. You can do
That as long as IRS hasn't finished processing our return.
So sorry for everyone...Hope and pray you get YOUR money
Back!
Good Luck!
Anna Smith

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Cindilynn
Johnstown, US
Jan 04, 2015 10:20 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

For three days I have been trying to locate my money on PayPower I had put a check on the ingo app and so the check went through to Paypower. find I can't access my money due to a block and they lied and said never received the money once again you're trying to steal money off the consumers, this company is a total fraud you can't even get decent customer service if you can even understand the person you were talking to, then they are rude they lie to you about the money being on the card went to check again when the money was not there called them back that I had to wait two days why would I have to wait two days for money that supposed to instantly be there they've screwed me out of two days work and as a nurse this is a significant loss I will never recommend this company I am going to the Better Business Bureau because no one here will resolve the problem.it's a shame that a good name like a visa is sitting on this company .class action lawsuit is needed and I will gladly sign in. Very dissatisfied dissatisfied customer

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Raphael I
North York (Toronto), CA
Jul 03, 2014 8:06 pm EDT

I bought a paypower card in April and had no problems until june so i bought another one and that one did not work so i bought one again this month July And So far it would not let me Register it Since it is keep saying unable to process your request So far For travel i WOULD Not Reccomend this card for online shopping or regular shopping this card is decent.

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Tim_2001
Colorado Springs, US
Feb 13, 2014 4:47 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have also been trying to get a hold of them for days to try and cancel. Given to me as a gift card, it now has a 'negative' balance due to the ridiculous monthly fees.

Only one of the seven messages I sent through the website was replied to, and all it told me was to call the same phone number, again, put in all the info, again, listen to all the messages, again, and get hung up on, AGAIN.

All of the people using the word Scam seem to be right.

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Bonnie L
Cochranville, US
Feb 11, 2014 11:10 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

How do you get ahold of them?
the number on back of card keeps hanging up?
Im desperate, they have my tax refund
...

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MShannon
Newport Beach, US
May 31, 2012 3:01 pm EDT

Was hit with a $7 charge on my account that only read "Settlement Adjustment Debit" with no further information given. No date, no origin of charge, no vendor information, nothing. I called PayPower support (which is seriously lacking in efficiency, located somewhere out of Mexico or South America. Almost impossible to understand.) and the explanation they gave me was that it was a charge from a gas station about 3 months prior that never came through. Seriously? When has it ever taken a bank that long to process a debit. And I know this is false because I have only been to that gas station ONCE and it was while passing through a city when I was moving and the dates are months apart from when they claim the charge was made. So to me this sounds like PayPower targeting cardholders for any money they think they can get away with stealing and saying it was a late debit from whichever random company they choose from your account history. It's awfully convenient that on their end they can say where the charge came from, but neither they or the website can provide me with any information I could use to possibly follow up on it myself. I am going to be reporting this to the FTC.

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wontpurchaseagain
Wickliffe, US
Aug 01, 2013 8:53 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I sent my 20 year old daughter to europe with these cards and they do not work. I read the directions provided in the package front to back. The directions state that this card is good in europe - it worked in germany but not in slovenia. slovenia is a country in europe so why wouldn't it work? i found out today that slovenia is a restricted county. My daughter is now in europe without any money. I called customer service and they told me that I should have read the directions on what countries it is restricted in. Why wouldn't the company put in the directions what countries are restricted? I bought it with the understanding that it was good in EUROPE. I had to wire money to her through western union and pay a fee for the service. The agents read from a script and when they don't have an answer they hang up.

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kim conyers
lincoln park, US
Jun 04, 2013 12:12 pm EDT

Well i signed up on the net to have government funds DD all the customers are required to do is accept the DD request and paypower electronically sends the request for DD to social security well when i didn't get my disability i went straight to social security and was told that social security did get the DD request from paypower they then called pay power only to find out some incompetent sent social security the wrong routing number now my ssi is sitting at another bank im pissed...all i get is someone will call you im filing a law suit...my privacy has been compromised im behind on my bills, and im stressed to the max...social security has said they will not ouch this paypower problem and that pay power needs to find my funds and load them to my account, i was able to borrow my july ssi payment but i wont get a thing for June until paypower finds my funds...and recover them to my account...

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T Real
lakeland, US
May 02, 2013 11:02 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I filed my taxes and tax act put my refund on a paypower card, well my card was stolen, Ive done everything paypower has told me to do. I filed a conformation letter sent three to pay power like I was told so I could get my money back and did this within the ten business days like I was advised because doing this they had ten business days to settle the dispute and credit me my money on my new card, or credit my money and do their investigation. But Ive still got nothing, I call everyday asking to speek with the risk dept, and told I can't . That they will call me in one to two business days . Ive got no calls . Ive filed a police report and faxed it over to pay power. I done everything Im very frustrated I just want my money credited back like I was told would happen. I started this march 29, 2013 . And their dispute forms I faxed them twice and when I call they say they havent received them, But I got a call stating they had receive them. Ive got some many tickets its unreal. I would never use this company again.

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mrwave2001
O Fallon, US
Mar 14, 2013 12:23 am EDT

Bought a PayPower Visa today for my son to tkae on his spring break trip. Didn't want him taking tons of cash. Bouth this card BECAUSE it said after registration that you would get a pin for ATM use. Went through steps EXACTLY as directed. When we got to the end said unable to register. We called Customer NO Service who said that since registration failed could not use at ATM now. ASked for Supervisor andwas hung up on. Called back asked for Supervisor again this time on hold 19 minutes and no help at all. Supervisor repeated word for word what first person said. TOTAL RIP OFF. NOw stuck with card that can't get money for him.

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nenawillingham
okay, US
Mar 12, 2013 2:04 pm EDT

we are still waiting on our card theat was suppose to have gotten here the first part of February, but we still haven't gotten it, our taxes was deposited on it the 11the of Feb. We still can't get anyone to fix this they have just told us that we are going to get a new one by last Monday, but still nothing. I have no clue what to do now. I can't seem to get pay powers help with fixing this . someone please help us, we have to get the money .

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seth65452
Richland, US
Feb 28, 2013 4:26 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I just got the card and it wont let me use the ATM or it causes problems ordering things online. I have been on hold for almost a hour waiting to speak to customer service and it keeps repeating the same message over and over. It is like they want you to get pissed off and hang up. This company sucks and should not be allowed to do any business.

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rockurwhirld
, US
Aug 06, 2011 6:33 am EDT

geezus, here we go AGAIN! went to apply a reloadit pack this evening and it's the same story as the one i posted a week ago. What is the problem with these guys? For the amount they charge, you'd think they'd be able to provide decent, uninterrupted service. I can guarantee this won't happen to me again. Hopefully, it won't happen to anyone else, either. The best fix is not to give them your business. Absolutely RIDICULOUS to take my money, charge me for that priviledge and then make me wait for them to pull their heads outta their...

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trsha g
Minneapolis, US
Jul 30, 2011 3:42 am EDT

My problem resolved also! The 27th sent an email to blackhawk network..the 28th they responded and needed me to send my cc info and phone number! I was reluctant to give my cc number but figured what the heck let me at least trust that they wont actually use the damn thing they dont really need to if they wanted to keep my money right! The 29th, today, I called the number on their website and asked for the paypower dept and the woman who answered the phone said i need to talk to Dennis..so I left a message and later, just before 1pm he called and left a message indicting that my money would be transferred to my currently activated card! Yes! No more worries! Checked the balance and it was there for sure, then withdrew the money and im done with them!... I want to thank Dennis who was very very nice and sounded so pleasant on the phone! Its unfortunate that I cant put money on this card again..the whole incident took a toll on me!

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rockurwhirld
, US
Jul 29, 2011 2:18 am EDT

Just wanted to update everyone on my complaint (it's only fair to report resolutions too) . Called Paypower today to find out what the story was and CS louis made sure my reloadit pack was credited to my account. Still didn't find out WHY I had my card suspended (he said it would take some time to investigate, I could hold or call back- I did neither; but, I find it hard to believe there was no explanation readily available?) Checked my account and the cash was there. WTG to louis but this burp in my interaction with paypower leaves me concerned. They did correct the problem though, and that's a good step.

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trsha g
Minneapolis, US
Jul 28, 2011 4:18 pm EDT

I called on JULY 14 to report a lost card and was told on that date that I would receive a new card in the mail in 7-10 business days! With-in that time I've been calling to make sure that the replacement card was indeed on the way, not taken out of my mail and not activated by someone esle! On MONDAY the 25th I placed a call to customer service and was told that they could not find my information and that the card numbers and personal information, of which i have 2 in my name, did not match up! After trying to make myself clear the rep investigated further and realized that he was dealing with the gift card dept went to a different screen and found my 2 cards and matching info after asking for the last 4 numbers of my ss#. He gave me the balance of both, and told me AGAIN THAT I'D RECEIVE A NEW REPLACMENT CARD ON THE 28TH..ITS ON THE WAY! For comfirmation, I called again on WED THE 27TH..STILL NO CARD IN THE MAIL..and they cant find my information at first, but after investigating the representative Carlos, finds my info..TELLS ME THERE WILL BE NO CARD BY THE 28, BECAUSE OF A MESSAGE THEY RECEIVED 3 DAYS AGO, THAT THE CO HAS NO DEBIT CARD INVENTORY!, And my card wont be sent until the 16th of August! NIGHTMARE! I was not given any kind of notice that there would be no card mailed with -in that 7-10 days specified originally on the 14th of July and was charged 6 dollars for replacement! HELP

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rockurwhirld
, US
Jul 28, 2011 7:14 am EDT

(sorry bout previous post) I've been using paypower for months without trouble (except the terribly high fees) until tonight- bought a reloadit pack, no problem there, went to transfer the funds and it came back as having a reloadit problem. called them and they tell me my card has been put on hold- someone will call me in 1-2 days. Why not NOW? i never received any notification, call or email that anything was wrong- until AFTER the money was spent. And the rep i spoke to could tell me nothing. For the fees they charge, I expect stellar service...by phone- NOT email and NOT IN 1-2 DAYS! So, now I'm off to buy a debit card that will provide the service i not only expect...but deserve.

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rockurwhirld
, US
Jul 28, 2011 7:02 am EDT

Been uing,

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MdMomma
Columbia, US
Jul 28, 2011 6:25 am EDT

I've found that it's impossible for me to register paypower travel cards online. Each time I've tried to do so, I've received ridiculous error messages (for example, my state is not recognized as an actual state or my identity can't be verified). I've had to call the customer service line (which has limited phone hours) in order to get the cards registered. While I like the ability to track ATM withdrawals and purchases online, the registration portion of the website is a disaster.

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PayPower
San Francisco, US
Jul 18, 2011 10:50 pm EDT

Hi Shawnri,

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. Please send your card and contact information to pr@blackhawk-net.com so that we may assist you.

Thank you,
PR for PayPower

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shawnri
Chicago, US
Jul 15, 2011 12:01 am EDT

They are a huge scam. Website is horrible and it is nearly impossible to get them on the phone. Visa looks bad for even associating with this 'bank'.

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everydaypeople
Los Alamos, US
Jul 11, 2011 4:56 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have empathy for you. I got scammed big time! I am in process of a class action Lawsuit. Keep looking at this site. We will provide updates... I would recommend highly! MIO Cash Cards. They are A+ with "BB" I also have one, and can't complain. These crooks at PayPower will go down!

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PayPower
San Francisco, US
Apr 29, 2011 4:52 pm EDT

Hello,

We apologize and ask that you please email pr@blackhawk-net.com if you need further assistance.

Thank you,
PR for PayPower

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Maystorchris
soquel, US
Apr 28, 2011 11:09 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I agree with nadavkc, the website for paypower is constantly "unavailable" customer service is terrible, The one time i did actually get through to a service rep he simply HUNG UP on me... WTF!?!? Pay power is a total scam I would not recommend using this prepaid service to anyone!

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PayPower
San Francisco, US
Apr 25, 2011 6:35 pm EDT

Hello,

We apologize for this inconvenience and would like to help you activate your card. Please email PR@Blackhawk-net.com so that we may assist you.

Thank you,
PR for PayPower