visa giftcard loophole? or something? help!

here's what happened:

I purchased two things on the internet from two different companies using a visa giftcard 'cause I didn't want anyone to know I am getting them.

From company A I bought the item for $148 and some change using an "unregistered" card. I hadn't logged in and entered my information, but the card was "active and ready to use" because I bought it inside a bank.

From company B I bought another item for $48 and some change but the company declined it - so I registered the card and made the purchase again.

I received the item from company A in the mail today. I received a tracking number from company B today.

I checked my balance, figuring I had 4 dollars or so left on the card, and it was $200. Both items showed as "declined." I called visa card services and they told me both transactions had been declined and funds were returned to my account this morning (the same day I received the item and tracking for the other). The lady on the phone told me if they don't collect on the funds within three days - the money is returned to the account. Is it just a coincidence BOTH didn't collect?

What in the fuck? I'm immediately tempted to spend the $200 all over again but I think i'll wait it out for a few more days...

(a) You guys have any explanation for this?
(b) Would I be liable for the funds if I spent them and my giftcard went negative?
(c) Can we replicate this situation?

Sorry, but I'm too stoned to read all that.

Can you use that credit card to go sign up for webcams under my affiliate lD? I will give you have the money!

I think you hit a flaw in the business' ordering, and shipping dept's. rather than a flaw in the visa gc.

Some Co's will simply Collect your CC info during ordering, and tell you it was approved and such, and then actually charge the card when the item ships.

This is what it sounds like to me.

If you want to test the system. Get a totally NEW GC. and complete the steps again, exactly, and use the neighbors name and address.

Hope that helps

Many companies dont charge until the order is final/shipped.

I have bought plane tickets when I had no money and had them charge it to me like 5-6 days later before.

Whoa thats pretty interesting...

Where did you buy the cards?

Did you get them at the grocery or did you get bank prepaid cards?