PCFS Gift Card?

[tess_bk]

Hi there,

This is a strange one. I get credit card offers almost daily, but I haven't gotten one like this before:

Dear ______, (my name!)
Congratulations, PCFS would like to reward you with a MasterCard Gift Card. There is NO COST TO YOU. This is our way of showing our appreciation for your testimonial about our free service. You will be able to use your Gift Card at gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, or anywhere that Master Card (sic) is accepted.
Sincerely,
Marketing Dept.
PCFS

Enclosed in the envelope is, indeed, a MasterCard Gift Card, good through 10/07, with my name on it and the official MasterCard Debit logo. Above it there is a note that says AMOUNT: $300 and APR: Not Applicable.

It all looks fine except for the word "mock" on the back, which makes me wonder if it's a "mock" card in spite of looking like a real one. There is an 800# to call for "Details" and it does say that "Activation is Required!" So I am guessing that the "Details" include the fact that this is an offer of credit, that the free gift card has strings attached, etc., and that activation means that you are accepting their offer of credit.

At the bottom of the letter is the standard "You can choose to stop receiving 'prescreened' offers of credit from this and other companies ..."

So, what do you all think? Should I bother calling the 800#?

Tess

[tess_bk]

Followup

Ah, apparently they are a student loan consolidator. That makes sense, as my federal student loans are still outstanding. They will grant you the $300 "gift" when you agree to consolidate your student loans with them. Since I'm not even done with school yet, I'm going to wait on any consolidation offers. So, bye bye to that easy money! ;)

http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=140066

Tess