Last week I received an email credit card offer for the Vast Platinum Shopping Credit Card. Not having seen a credit card offer in the mail in a long time, I was curious. With a little checking, it became obvious very quickly that the email was a scam using what is, at best, a dubious, but legitimate, credit card.
The email offer
Dealing with spam (not the canned kind, but the email) can be almost a daily routine. How many times has some wannabe scammer sent out an email without spellchecking their work? Good grief, guys. Listen up, you need to pay more attention to details.
The email I received was from “Subject line.” Really? The actual subject line read, “1000 USD: You are Invited to Apply.” How nice. I was invited. It almost sounds like it would be a privilege to have the card—but then, that’s assuming I’d even want a card with such terrible terms.
The Vast Platinum Shopping Credit Card
The real Vast Platinum Shopping Credit Card isn’t much better than the email solicitation I received. To begin, this card is a store credit card, which means it’s for exclusive use at an online store. Unique Card Services offers this card and it comes with some very questionable terms.
The card comes with an application fee of $29.95 and a monthly fee of $19.95. That’s going to set you back almost $270 your first year. On their website, Unique Card Services has a large box that says there’s no monthly fee on the card, yet in the fine print it discloses that there actually is a monthly fee.
The company puts a positive marketing spin on the card terms—save big bucks shopping online, we never turn down an application, blah, blah. The flip side is the company is gouging unsuspecting people who need access to credit with exorbitant monthly fees and dubious claims. While not an out-and-out scam, this one runs as close to the line as it gets without crossing over. Save your money and find a better deal.
Did you like this scam tip? Take a look at last month’s, 6 tips for dealing with Amazon brushing scams.
So are there any legit cards out there for those with campy credit….my ex. Totally tanked mine went from a 730…at present 520 and it didn’t take long to get there…!!!
That’s a tough situation, Michael. You mIght want to try something like NerdWallet.com. I think they have a tool to let you match your needs with who’s offering. As always, be cautious!
Hey, I almost fell for it too! I had filled everything out and almost put in my bank info and something told me to research this alittle more. Good thing I stumbled upon your site here, I was really just about to click go. Thank you for your research, I am so very grateful!!!
I just learned a valuable lesson, I tried ordering keto for my son n law the offer said 49.95 I ordered it. 295.00 I called the number only thing they would do is refund 119.00 charge me 119.00 well they are still making 50.00 on me. What can I do?
You could try reporting the company to the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org), but I think you may not get much further. If you paid by credit card, just dispute the charges with your credit card company.
Thank you so much im on ssi and so badly need a loan or credit. I dont have money to be scamed out of but i did for 175 dollars just the other day its so hard to know whats real any moor. And because of that 175 i have to try to find free food that is givin away so again thank you so verry much you really saved me i was 1 click away
Mr. Terry I thank you for your time and efforts in educating people like myself who never make time to read the fine print.your article on Vast Platinum saved me from becoming a victim.
Thank you
A.W.Collins