Woolworths shoppers across Australia are reporting that their WISH eGift card balances have been drained without their authorization. Many customers only discovered the missing funds when attempting to pay at supermarket checkouts.
Stolen funds have been spent on online purchases at Dan Murphy’s and at physical Big W stores, often interstate. The security breaches have affected buyers who stored their digital vouchers inside the Everyday Rewards app after purchasing them through a four per cent discount promotion.
“When I went to do my shopping, obviously it had been redeemed. And I was like, ‘Oh, this is weird.’ So I called, and the lady was like, ‘Oh yeah, it was spent at Dan Murphy’s online last night.’ And I was like, ‘We don’t even have a Dan Murphy’s,’” Tara from Karratha in Western Australia told nine.com.au.
Frustrated Shoppers Face Communication Roadblocks
Victims trying to report the missing money have encountered delays and dead ends when contacting customer support lines. Several customers said that automated phone systems disconnected them due to high call volumes.
“I think the hardest, the crappiest thing is that I can’t get in touch with Woolworths. I’ve tried calling this gift card line. The first time I spoke to them, they pretty much just said they couldn’t help and to file a police report,” Tara told nine.com.au.
“I did get screenshots thankfully before the gift card ‘disappeared’. I understand systems get compromised, but the radio silence from them is appalling,” Talitha, a customer from regional Queensland, told nine.com.au after her family discovered their card balance was wiped during a grocery checkout.
Talitha added that she attempted to reach the customer service line 13 times before experiencing repeated hang-ups due to busy queues.
Interstate Spending Spree Targets Recent Purchases
Fraudulent transactions have occurred rapidly, in many cases just days after victims bought the digital cards. One Victorian shopper purchased a $500 gift card on a Monday and found the entire balance spent at a Big W store in New South Wales by Wednesday.
“Next day someone in Rockdale Sydney used the remaining balance at a Big W,” Sarah Smith from Highfields in Queensland told nine.com.au after she used part of her balance for petrol near Toowoomba.
Additional cards purchased through platforms like Qantas Marketplace have also been compromised. Affected buyers have reported losses ranging from $170 to nearly $450.
Woolworths Addresses eGift Card Issues
A Woolworths spokesperson told nine.com.au that the company is aware of the issue affecting customer eGift cards and is looking into the matter as a priority. The supermarket operator apologized for the concern caused to affected shoppers.
“Our team will work directly with customers to determine the appropriate next steps, including issuing replacement e-gift cards for customers impacted,” a Woolworths spokesperson told nine.com.au.
The company encourages customers who notice unrecognized transactions to contact the Gift Card Support team or register their details on the Everyday Gifting website.
Common Questions About WISH eGift Card Security
How can customers check their gift card status?
Shoppers can check their balances and view transaction history by logging into the Everyday Rewards app or visiting the Everyday Gifting website.
What should victims do if their balance is drained?
Woolworths advises affected customers to email the Gift Card Support team or submit their details via the Everyday Gifting homepage to arrange for replacement e-gift cards.
Which stores are processing the fraudulent transactions?
Stolen funds have primarily been traced to online transactions at Dan Murphy’s and purchases at various Big W locations, frequently in New South Wales and Victoria.
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