Neighbors Being Hit By Green Dot MoneyPak Card Scam

The 72nd Precinct, which covers some of our area, sent out an alert yesterday warning neighbors of a telephone scam involving Green Dot MoneyPak Cards.

According to the 72nd:

The victims are contacted by a caller who states that they work at a utility company and are collecting money that is past due. The caller informs the victim that they can avoid having their utility service disconnected if they immediately pay the past due amount using a Green Dot MoneyPak card that can be purchased at a local store.

The caller instructs the victim to purchase a Green Dot MoneyPak card in a specified amount and provides the victim with a phone number to be called back when the MoneyPak has been obtained.

The victim purchases a Green Dot card at a local store and proceeds to call back the number they were given. The victim is instructed to scratch off and read the MoneyPak card serial number to the perpetrator.

Once the scammer has the Green Dot MoneyPak serial number they are able to transfer funds onto a prepaid debit card. The victim has now lost their money.

Scammers also spin a tale involving the Internal Revenue Service, telling victims that they owe “back taxes, fees or fines to the IRS, and if they don’t immediately pay up with a MoneyPak card, they will be arrested or deported.”

It’s important to note that Green Dot MoneyPark cards themselves are not illegal. When dealing with any kind of financial transaction, though, it’s a good idea to keep a few crime prevention tips in mind:

*Be suspicious of callers who demand immediate payment for any reason.

*Remember that anyone who has the number on a Green Dot MoneyPak card has access to the funds on the card.

*Never give out personal or financial information to anyone who emails or calls you unsolicited.

*Never wire money, provide debit or credit card numbers or Green Dot MoneyPak card numbers to someone you do not know.

*Utility companies and government agencies will not contact you demanding immediate payment by MoneyPak

For more information, contact the 72nd Precinct Community Affairs department at 718-965-6326.

Image via Green Dot MoneyPak