Stimulus check, paper check vs. direct deposit

[twuoo]

Ok, so I got my stimulus direct deposited today.

I went to Best Buy to ask if they had the 10% additional if I were to buy a gift card.

They told me that I HAD TO HAVE the paper check to give to them.

I explained that I had direct deposit and they said I was out of luck.

That is rediculous!

Anybody else run into dumb policies like this?

[Keebler]

I haven't run in to others like this but I'm not suprised. I saw an ad from a car dealer offering to double the amount of the check and I thought the same thing.

Remember, their goal is only to lure you in to the store. If they reject you on a technicality they've still met their goal of getting you to show up. Maybe I've gotten cynical but I've learned to take the words absolutely litterally.

[Becca]

Happened to my parents too and it doesn't make much sense to me. If the idea is to get people to spend and they are willing to show up and spend - let them. Surely there is something that can be printed from your account or from the bank to show you got the check but the companies are stupid and excluding thousands of people receiving direct deposit. I really just don't get it, personally.

Becca

[magyar123]

I think this method - having to bring in the actual check is an advertisement ploy. These stores will now have peoples' names and addresses, and sooner or later fill these peoples' mailboxes with all kinds of crap.
And possibly sharing names & addresses with outfits associated with them.
And don't forget: These checks also include your SS #. Big time ID theft possibilities.

[twuoo]

I think the other ploy to make you bring a check is so you have to spend the entire amount of the check at their particular store should you choose to buy the various gift cards.