I’ve purchased Apple e-gift cards (always from major retailers like Target, Best Buy and Amazon, and never physical cards) for years when they are discounted 10-15%. I use them for Apple hardware purchases, apps and an Apple One subscription.
But about two years ago, for some reason, when I attempted to purchase an app in the App Store (using previously acquired apple e-gift card credit), I got a pop-up message telling me that my account has been disabled in the App Store and iTunes. Subsequently, my account was completely locked and closed permanently, according to Apple.
The Apple rep I spoke to said there’s no way they can possibly reinstate my account. They also wouldn’t tell me how exactly I violated the terms and conditions.
A couple of days later, I got a call back from the Apple representative who told me my account was permanently closed. They said they would look into it further with someone higher up and get back to me with the results.
I’ve had my account open since 2004(!) when it was just the iTunes Store, and have made who knows how many purchases since then. But I’ve used a separate Apple ID for iCloud, so I would not lose things like photos associated with that account.
Thankfully, when I decided to try accessing my locked account a couple of days later it was working again! I guess the Apple rep forwarded the issue to someone who could actually do something. This was an immense relief.