The usual issue is that someone will buy a gift card with a stolen credit card and then sell it to Raise (or others) for cash. Usually within 100 days the gift card issuer will find out when they have been charged back for the stolen card purchase, at which point they invalidate the card and zero the balance.

Raise.com will refund you the unused balance on the card prior to it being zeroed out, but only within 60 days of your order. Their short protection policy limits their exposure if a high value card is invalidated and you come looking for a refund three months after you bought it. Every gift card reseller has a different policy for refunds. Some are as short as a few weeks, others last 100 days or more. Raise.com's 60 day policy is shorter than many of their competitors, which is why I don't use them much anymore.

The lessons I have learned is only order cards you will use entirely within the next month, never gift them to others, and keep a spreadsheet if you order a lot of cards so you can keep track of balances. In all, I've had about 3% of the 200 cards I've ordered suddenly zeroed out. The majority were for improbably large amounts, which is why I now try and order lower value cards. One site suddenly listed 10 $100 gift cards for Jimmy Johns, a sub shop. One has to wonder who would order gift cards like this in the first place, only to put up for resale. It turned out the original buyer used a stolen credit card to buy them all and turned the proceeds into cash. The cards were all zeroed out. I have learned to be suspicious when a large number of high $ value cards in the same amount suddenly go up for sale. So while it may make sense to buy a $100 gift card for Sears, it usually isn't to buy a $100 gift card for Dunkin Donuts.

The issue is that they verify the card balance one time when the card is listed, the seller can then sell it and use it quickly and you are left dealing with their Customer Service or having your credit card issuer fight for you. Whats really sad is they are acting like a broker and the cards are money in escrow, but they have no financial fund to guarantee the cards and their terms and conditions limit their liability. The buyer shoulders the full financial burden.

Phillip D. Has a terrific explanation on how to use the cards. I've only had one card go bad (an AMC card) due to credit card fraud on the part of the seller. I had planned on using the card over the summer and was very close to the 60-day mark when it was zeroed out. For that reason, I now only buy cards I plan to use immediately. They can still be a great way to save money, if used carefully. I was unaware that Starbucks could zero out the balance even after it's transferred - thanks for posting M. A.

I have had several issues with Starbucks and Dillard's. Starbucks zeroed the cards after I put them on my Starbucks card and zeroed my Starbucks card also. Dillards were refunds that were used before I could use them. Dillards researched and found out they were used by the original seller.

Phillip D said it all very well. I learned the same lessons and I do keep a spreadsheet. I have had too many zero balanced cards from Raise so I prefer to purchase elsewhere. Buy from the gift card brokers who offer the longest time period for refunds! Very important.

Raise provided me with a refund when the balance didn't match my purchase. My advice is to buy a new gift card with the gift card you purchased from Raise immediately when you receive. That way you are the only one with the gift card number. Hope that helps!