From Maplewood Police:
Ongoing Green Dot Card Scams
You receive a call from a police official who tells you that
you have failed to appear in court and that to avoid arrest you need to
immediately post bail. The caller then directs you to a local store
where you can purchase a Green Dot card. He explains that if you give
him the number, the warrant will be quashed and that you'll get your
money back when you appear in court.
Don't do it. It's a SCAM! They are not the police, there is no
warrant and the moment they have that Green Dot number, they transfer
your money to their pocket.
Unfortunately, the Federal Trade Commission reports that in the past
two years, over a quarter of a million Americans have lost nearly a
quarter of a billion dollars to this crime or one of its variations.
Sometimes they claim to be the police, other times its a local
utility, there are now some variations regarding grants and loans or
even individuals pretending that they have a loved one hostage.
Look for these "tells" that you are about to be a victim:
1) They will contact you and represent themselves as somebody with authority or control over an aspect of your life or business.
2) They will stress the immediacy of your action, instructing you to
get the funds now (and often even remaining on the phone with you as
you do).
3) They will instruct you to use a Green Dot or other reloadable and transferable card.
Don't fall for it. If you're not sure, contact the agency or company
directly (but don't use the number the crook is giving you). Finally,
if you receive one of these calls, report it to your local police.
Electronic payments have made our lives immensely easier, but they
have likewise made committing crimes easier. Protect yourself by knowing
the scams and avoiding them.
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