So, in theory, at least....

Whats to stop you buying a product or service from my company, perhaps using the sort of link you could find at http://www.garysharp.com/fccard.htm . And say, in theory, obviously, that the product was out of stock, and that my company refunded the dosh, minus CC charges and a 1% handling charge? Would that be a reasonable way to rack up a few points at minimal expense? Not that we would, clearly?

You would need to trust the person to send the money back,[ii] but that's a given.

So would it work - in theory, like, [:w]

And if so, could someone else set up a reciprocal arrangement, so that I could get some points too? [y]

g

[preiffer]

I believe it's expressly against the terms & conditions of the card to engineer such a situation... [:0]

Lucky I was just askin' then, isn't it! [:I]

As a law student, im sure thats fraud!

Stoneflyer

[preiffer]

... but if it weren't, yes, technically it would work.

Best that we don't even think of doing it then. [V]

I'm glad I asked before I got into trouble. Cheers chaps!

g

Um, scuse my ignorance, but does a credit to your account not reduce your balance? If not, why do I not get loads of miles when I pay and get refunded deposits on hire cars?

[preiffer]

It's the difference between a refund and a payment, Jeremy. If it's refunded to the card - you're correct, no miles. Payments in return, however, are a different matter.

Regardless, the practice suggested is wrong, and those caught performing such transactions risk having both their credit card and flying club account shut down immediately... [:0]

Oh I see. I didn't realise from the initial post that what was being discussed was a simple 'back-2-back' scam. Old as the bible I'm afraid, well tested in court, and if one indulges in it expect not only your cards to be canceled, but also not to have a credit card ever again. If you are really lucky expect a spell inside.


I think it should now be clear that a refund based scheme will not work as the refund gives rise to a miles reduction. It is also counter to VS FF club rules as I understand them. A back to back purchase scheme is illegal and therefore is also not appropriate for the site.

So while I am sure that we all wish there were a simple way to earn miles, I am also sure that this topic should not be discussed further please.

As I think others have eluded to it won't work. I have not spent anything on my Virgin MBNA card this money but received £400 refund on an item. Guess what 400 miles debitted from VS FF acount.

Paul

Not sure about card T&Cs without rereading the small print, but Id be fairly certain they had some sort of disclaimer about such activity - however it is certainly against the T&Cs of the Visa/MC/Amex merchant, which in theory you become when accepting payments through 3rd parties such as PayPal (As a merchant, I cant for example swipe my own card through my card terminal if I was needing say £1000 to pay an invoice).
Risk of jail & a few years of being blacklisted hardly worth the risk for a few hundred points.

Refunds Ive had in the past Ive certainly lost the points Id gained for the purchase (both Nectar points to B/C & Amex points).

Ok folks - Jeremy very reasonably asked that this not be discussed any further. Given the legalities/Ts&Cs involved, the future of this topic on this site is under review by the moderating team and I'm going to lock this topic for the time being. this thread will remain locked and hopefully provide information to future enquirers as to this type of scheme

Cheers

Michael