Walmart Visa Gift Card Positioned as a Gift Card, but forces you to open a pre-paid debit account, Internet

Recently my mother purchased a Walmart Money card for me for my birthday.  The problem is that it is actually packaged as a "Visa Gift Card".  So by all appearances, it looks like you are simply purchasing a Visa Gift Card that can be used at a variety of merchants.

What she didn't realize is that in order to use the gift card, the recipient is forced to sign up for a debit card with Walmart and Visa.  The recipient must disclose personal information like your social security number, address, and birthday.  The company then actually does a credit check and OPENS a debit card account in your name without your consent. And if you don't want to have your credit dinged and go through the process of opening up an account with Walmart Money card, you don't get to use the gift your mother spent her hard earned money on.  They offer no refunds on the original gift card purchase.

This is a completely unethical business practice.  There is no indication when you purchase the gift card that the recipient will be forced to open up a debit card account to actually use it.  It looks just like a gift card you might buy for a merchant, like Target.  I am infuriated that this practice is allowed to continue.  Just because big, well known names like Walmart, Visa, and MasterCard are behind it, it doesn't mean the practice should be allowed to exist.  These cards need to be taken off the shelf immediately to protect unknowing consumers who are trying to simply purchase a gift for a loved one.