Yes, Vanilla Visa is a rip-off. They begin charging the $2.50 a month fee in the seventh month after it is purchased, but the gift recipient cannot know that date. You check your balance online and it lists the first date you use the card as the date you "activated" it. Surprise -- the account begins to deplete $2.50 a month -- and you have no recourse. The "customer service" representative I spoke with was insulting and said "Oh, they meant the date it was bought." This is a fraudulent business. DON'T BUY THE VANILLA VISA!
