Thousands in Marriott gift certificates used before traveler could …

BALTIMORE — If you’ve been holding onto travel funds from canceled trips or past promotions, you may want to double-check their balance. Ginny Hanson, a Baltimore County woman, recently discovered her thousands of dollars in Marriott gift certificates had already been used by someone else. Hanson had purchased the Marriott e-gift certificates back in May 2020, during a special 20 percent off promotion.

She spent half of the £5,000 she had purchased and reserved the rest for Valentine’s Day. However, when she went to check the balance on her remaining gift certificates, she found that it was zero. “I went online and the balance on what I had, which was £2,500, was £0,” said Hanson.

Despite numerous calls to Marriott and the gift card processor, she was unable to resolve the issue. She then contacted WMAR-2 News Mallory Sofastaii. “Matters for Mallory, it got solved in one day!

It’s like amazing and now they’re wonderful to me, they’re contacting me,” Hanson said. Marriott has since issued a statement, stating that they are taking the matter seriously and investigating the situation. However, they did not disclose how the gift certificates were compromised, by whom, or if it was related to any past data breaches.

Hanson said she was told by a customer representative that they were able to track where the certificates were used. “There was somebody, he used them in New York, and somebody in Thailand,” said Hanson. In light of this incident, Hanson cautions other travelers to be vigilant with their travel funds. “Check them!

Check them immediately and keep checking them. And use them. Give them, use them, do anything.

Get rid of them,” she warned. It’s important to remember that while e-gift cards are convenient, they are not without risk. Personal information is required when purchasing them online, and it’s up to the company to protect that data.

If you have a balance on an e-gift card or regular gift card, treat it like cash, keep the numbers in a secure location, and use a credit card when making the purchase. To avoid any fraudulent activity, regularly monitor the balance and any transactions on travel funds and gift cards. It’s better to use them sooner rather than later, and if any issues arise, contact the company directly for assistance.

Gift card scams continue to be a top complaint to the Federal Trade Commission.

About 1 in 4 people who reported losing money to fraud said it involved a gift card. Click here for more information on these scams, how to avoid them, and to report them to the FTC.

ample-bosom listed on couponmatrix.ukdesigners-guild listed on couponmatrix.ukeve-mattress listed on couponmatrix.ukharvey-nichols listed on couponmatrix.ukselect-fashion listed on couponmatrix.ukwynsors-world-of-shoes listed on couponmatrix.uk
ample-bosom listed on couponmatrix.ukAmple Bosom do what they say on the tin by providing comfortable yet always stylish bras and lingerie for women with, well, a more ample bosom. If you do have a fuller figure, it can be hard to find the right fit which is why Ample Bosom pride themselves, not only on their products but also the fitting advice available. Stocking all major lingerie brands, including Goddess, Sloggi and Triumph, you're bound to find a bra and other complementary lingerie items to use your ample bosom discount code on.
designers-guild listed on couponmatrix.ukDesigners Guild are true artists; translating artwork, architecture, nature, and anything else that inspires the designers from across the globe into stunning interior design pieces perfect for any home. With your Designers Guild discount code, you can save on more than just another sofa, duvet cover, or pair of curtains, you’ll be saving on a piece of art. With almost 9,000 different types of fabric and 2,000 wallpapers, you’ll find something spectacular to suit every home with Designers Guild.
eve-mattress listed on couponmatrix.ukTrouble sleeping? Then you probably haven’t tried an eve sleep mattress. As well as being ridiculously comfortable, every Eve mattress comes with a 10-year warranty, free delivery and a 100-night trial. If you’re not totally smitten with your new Eve mattress, it’ll be picked up and returned completely free of charge. Rest easy with an Eve Mattress discount from us and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep for less. For ultimate comfort, combine your new mattress with Eve’s collection of frames, bedding, pillows and beautiful bedroom accessories and make going to bed your favourite part of the day.
harvey-nichols listed on couponmatrix.ukA household name across the world, Harvey Nichols has been providing customers with luxury fashion, top-level food and award-winning restaurants ever since the 1830s when it was founded by Benjamin Harvey. The department store grew from just a linen shop in a terraced house to a multifaceted business opening up 7 stores in Ireland and the UK, and more overseas - and now houses the very latest in designer goods. Use a Harvey Nichols discount code to get incredible reductions on fashion fresh from the catwalk, high-class cuisine and gorgeous homeware and your debit card will thank you when you head to checkout. Browse by brand on the Harvey Nichols website if you’ve got a trusted favourite and make an appointment at the Knightsbridge store to receive tailor-made service from trained stylists.
select-fashion listed on couponmatrix.ukSelect Fashion are one of the biggest names in women’s fashion in the UK. Their extensive collection of on-trend styles and clothing make them the perfect place to pick up something special for your wardrobe. With a Select discount code from us you can save on the best in high street fashion, without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re looking for a new pair of jeans or you’re after a dress for date night, Select have got you covered.
wynsors-world-of-shoes listed on couponmatrix.ukWynsors is your go-to for the latest footwear at the lowest prices. Stocking big name brands like adidas, Birkenstocks and Timberland, Wyndsors isn’t afraid to drop a sale—you’ll find loads of great trainers, boots, sandals and heels at a fraction of the original price! We’ve tracked down all of the best deals and exclusives to help you save even more. Make the most of a Wyndsors discount code to cut the cost of your next footwear haul—you can thank us later!