Nationwide Gift Card Scam

Shoppers beware as a gift card scam has been occurring as we approach the holiday shopping season.

The Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs is warning consumers of an apparent gift card scam occurring in the United States and Canada.

Consumer Affairs warns consumers should be aware of baby and motherhood gift cards sent to them by a “Jenny B.” These cards are not from a friend but part of a questionable marketing scheme by a company called Mother’s Lounge located in Pleasant Grove, UT.

Mother’s Lounge sends gift cards to their different online businesses. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) these affiliate businesses include Thoughtful Gift Cards, Nursing Pillow and Car Seat Canopy.

The gift cards are sent all over the U.S. and Canada in an envelope which appears to have lost its return label, but it never had one in the first place.

Inside is a card congratulating the recipient on their recent pregnancy and an array of gift cards and coupons for motherhood and baby items. BBB believes “Jenny B” is Jeanette Pierce, the owner of Mother’s Lounge and other online entities.

BBB is unsure what mailing lists the business is using, but not all of the women who receive these mailings are pregnant.

BBB gives Mother’s Lounge an “F” rating because consumers who have made purchases report excessive shipping fees and lower quality products than expected.

Consumer Affairs (845) 340-3260 advises treating these mailings as “junk mail".