My iTunes gift card's redemption code is unreadable. I tried to submit this issue through the online support but the website wouldn't allow me to attach pictures of the card. What can I do now?

Question

I have an iTunes gift card from a parent of my student.  When I tried to scratch off the back for the redemption code, the code became unreadable.  I tried to submit this problem on Apple's support website and the site asked for pictures of the card (front & back).  I took pictures with my iPhone and when I tried to submit it, the website said it wasn't in the right format (my pictures were saved as JPEG files).  I tried all of the file extensions acceptable by the website and none worked.  I called customer support (real human) and she said that she could not nothing for me since the card was not purchased from iTunes store directly and it may have been from a retailer.  So there was nothing Apple could do.  I find that surprising since this card has Apple's brand on it and it was a legitimate iTunes card.  I can even provide the serial number but the Apple customer support didn't want to hear it. She told me to submit the question as a product feedback via their website so I did and again, I got nothing in return.
I'd like to know if anyone can help me with this issue or if I will need to throw away this $25 gift card that would otherwise be very helpful for the students in my classroom?
Thank you!
PC

Answer 1

When you tried to contact Support with the card's images how were you trying to do it, on your phone or a browser on your computer ? And have you tried a different browser to see if you get the same error message ?
As well as images of the card they might also want an image of its receipt.
And to contact Support you were using : http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/contact/ , and clicked on Contact iTunes Store Support on the right-hand side of the page, then iTunes Cards And Codes ?