Vanilla Gift Cards review: Invalid card

I received 2 vanilla gift cards in the amount of $100 each. There were only 12 digits and no CVV number. I contacted the number on the back of the card which is completely useless as you must enter 16 digits. If you don't enter the 16 digits after listening to the recording 3 times telling you to enter your 16 digits they say sorry you are having trouble entering your 16 digits, thank you and hang up. I googled for a phone number with a real live person and found

[protected]. You speak with a person who is from "card services" and the company was Incom (or something to that affect - was not clear and was not happy i was asking) and they want all kinds of personal information. I am reaching out to my in-laws who gave me the gift card to see if they still have the receipt or this person said they can get an electronic journal from the store they purchased.

I would not recommend using Vanilla Gift Cards or any other for that matter. If you want to give a gift, cash or check is probably the best or AMEX is very reputable.