I was given a {$40.00} prepaid card from NetSpend. This was a gift from a friend. I tried to activate the card online and was told I could not and to call the toll-free number on the card. The first time I called, the rep asked me some questions and said the card was activated. 

I tried to make an online purchase ( making sure to include the fees NetSpend would charge ) and it would not approve. 

I then got a voicemail from someone at NetSpend to call back and give them a reference number to finish setting up my account. When I called, the rep who answered seemed to have no idea what I was talking about and said he needed to transfer me to a " special department. '' When he did, I was dumped directly into a voicemail of someone in the legal department who handles subpoenas???? 

I called a 3rd time and another rep answered -- she went through the same drill and said she had to transfer me to a " special department. '' She refused to give me the name of the department or their direct number. I was transferred and sat on hold for 15 minutes before hanging up. 

I called a 4th time and another rep answered -- I explained to him what was going on. When he asked me again for my name and last XXXX of my SS #, I asked him why did that matter because they would n't have my information if I did n't have an account. He said he had to take this info to set up the account, but once again told me I needed to speak to the " special department. '' He said he would wait until he reached someone before transferring me. I have now been on hold for 23 minutes and will hang up at 25 if no one answers. 

At this point, NetSpend needs to be ordered to refund my friend 's purchase. 
