Gift cards remain one of the most popular gift choices for all occasions. There’s nothing not to love about getting free money to spend on whatever you want. But sometimes gift cards aren’t what they seem. Questions have emerged around a gift card offer called Gonift – is it a legit way to score freebies or an outright scam?
This article will take an in-depth look at the Nift gift cards based on user reviews, complaints, and expert analysis. We’ll uncover whether they really offers the easy freebies it advertises or if there’s a catch. Read on to get the unbiased truth before claiming your card.
What is Gonift Gift Card and How Does it Work?
Gonift operates a website called gonift.com that offers $30 virtual gift cards. The premise is simple – you receive a gift card code which can be redeemed for a free gift worth up to $30. According to the website, recipients can choose from thousands of gift options in categories like food, beauty, fitness, and more.
When you land on the website, you’ll be asked to enter your gift code. You’ll then supposedly get matched with gift options tailored to your interests. Choose your preferred gift, checkout, and voila – you’ve scored something for free.
The Company Behind Gonift
Gonift is owned and operated by Nift Networks Inc., a tech company based in Boston, MA. Nift Networks was founded in 2015 by Elery Pfeffer.
The company has raised over $20 million in funding from high-profile investors like General Catalyst, Accomplice, and NextView Ventures. Major brands like iHeartRadio, Afterpay, and Tripadvisor have partnered with Nift to distribute these gift cards as customer rewards.
On the surface, Nift Networks appears to be a legitimate business with significant financial backing. But what about the user experience on Gonift? Let’s examine what people are actually saying.
Critical Consumer Reviews and Complaints
While the concept sounds enticing, user reviews from across the web paint a very different picture. Gonift currently has a dismal 2/5 star rating on Trustpilot based on 12 scathing reviews. The most common complaints include:
I’ve tried to use this “gift card” multiple times but the options I’m given aren’t anything I’d be remotely interested in.
It’s just a marketing email. Not really a scam, but not really such a great “gift.”
This so called “gift” card is nothing more than a link to businesses whose selections FAR surpass the value of the card.
On Reddit, users express skepticism and assume the gift card offer is spam:
I rather pass on it. I don’t need malware to worry about right now. ITS ONLY 30 DOLLARS.
It’s just a marketing technique to present people with a free gift but it’s just $30 off of a year long subscription.
One scathing review site calls Gonift a blatant “scam” and says:
If it’s a “gift” card for $30 and I can’t pick out something for $30 or less and get it for free, its a scam.
So where is this avalanche of criticism coming from?
The “Gifts” Are Not So Free After All
The resounding grievance is that Gonift falsely advertises “free” gift cards when that is far from reality.
Customers report that the gift card merely gives a partial discount that requires you to pay the remainder. One person said:
It’s a bit of false advertising claiming to be a “free gift” when in reality all the “gifts” I’ve been offered were simply discounts applied through a promo code at checkout, where you actually have to pay the difference.
And it appears the gift options are designed to funnel people into subscriptions and recurring payments:
The “gifts” have just been hooks to get you to sign up for a monthly subscription of something.
With few legitimate freebies, limited gift selection, and subscriptions galore, the Nift Card is shaping up to be more trick than treat.
The Verdict: Is Gonift Ultimately a Scam?
Given the abundance of negative reviews, it’s understandable why so many customers feel scammed. However, scam implies deliberate deception and fraud.
While it certainly engages in misleading marketing and sales tactics, they do technically provide discount codes as advertised. Users just have to pay the remainder for whatever product they select.
So in summary – no, Gonift does not seem to be an outright scam. But are its business practices ethical? And does it deliver a worthwhile service to consumers? Questionable and no.
How to Avoid Gift Card Scams?
Now we will understand some valuable lessons on how to spot and avoid gift card scams:
- Be skeptical of any “free” offer asking for personal information. Do diligent research beforehand.
- Read the fine print. Scammers rely on people missing sneaky disclosures about payments.
- Beware online offers requiring upfront payments or subscriptions. Unethical companies trap people this way.
- Check reviews across multiple sites to verify legitimacy and experiences.
- Avoid sites with no customer service contact. Any legitimate business will have one.
Only share personal details and payment information with trusted, established companies. If it seems fishy, trust your instincts.
What to Do If You Get Scammed By Fake Gift Card?
If you fell victim to a fake gift card scam, take these steps:
- Act quickly. Time is critical. Initiate chargebacks and complaints right away.
- File complaints with the FTC, state attorneys general, and BBB to aid investigations.
- Report fraudulent charges to your credit card company and bank. Request chargebacks.
- Leave online reviews detailing the situation to warn others. Report fake review pages.
- Contact the company directly via phone, email, social media, etc. Demand evidence of services rendered.
- Consult a consumer protection attorney if significant financial damages occurred. Legal action may be an option.
- Learn from the experience. Implement tighter security measures and safe online practices going forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are Gonift gift cards truly free $30 gifts?
No. The cards simply provide promo codes that give partial discounts requiring additional payment. They do not provide $30 of free merchandise.
2. What kinds of gifts can you get with it?
Gift choice is limited, mostly subscriptions. Many report the options are useless or irrelevant to their interests.
3. Can I get in trouble for using the Nift card?
No, redeeming gift cards in itself is perfectly legal. But beware of providing personal data, which could facilitate identity theft.
4. Is Gonift legit Gift Card or a scam?
While misleading and unethical, Gonift does technically deliver discount codes so it cannot be called an outright scam. But it heavily exaggerates the free gift offer.
5. How does they make money?
They generates revenue by partnering with brands who pay to offer products through the platform as a customer acquisition strategy.
6. Should I use the Nift gift card I received?
Exercise extreme caution. Thoroughly investigate options and restrictions first. Most reviews suggest the cards provide minimal value.
The Bottom Line
Some key points to be remembered:
- It heavily promotes $30 free gift cards but in reality provides limited discount codes requiring additional payment.
- User reviews are overwhelmingly negative, citing a lack of freebies and subscription tricks.
- While legal, Nift Network engages in misleading marketing and sales tactics according to customers.
- Their gift card experience does not appear to match the promoted claims of free gifts.
While not an outright scam, Gonift relies on exaggeration and fine print to deliver minimal value. Proceed with caution and manage expectations with any gift cards received. Protect personal data and payments.
