Cingular rebates

Cingular gives rebates in the form of a debit card. We had a lot of trouble with our card - a number of places including Target couldn't get it to work. And some wouldn't take it unless we knew the balance if the purchase was more than the balance. Ultimately the card expired with over $11 on it. I think NY attorney general should force telecom companies to issue checks for rebates and not electronic cash. It is clear they do this because some of the balance will go unused as consumers get frustrated; LOUSY customer care on AT&T/Cingular's count.