A long-time Apple user has been locked out of their Apple ID after attempting to redeem a $500 gift card, which failed due to suspected tampering. This incident has effectively rendered their devices useless, impacting access to personal and professional data stored in iCloud, including years of family photos and important documents. Despite providing proof of the card's legitimate purchase from a major retailer, Apple has not offered a clear explanation for the account lockout, which they claim is in line with their Terms and Conditions. The user’s attempts to resolve the issue through Apple Support have been frustrating. They received vague responses and were told to create a new Apple ID, which could complicate matters further by potentially linking it to the locked account. The situation is dire, with the user estimating over $30,000 in bricked hardware and a halt to their work as an Apple developer. They are now seeking legal help and support from government regulators, hoping to regain access to their account and devices. Meanwhile, communication with Apple has been limited, with some representatives suggesting that the user physically visit Apple's headquarters to plead their case.