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Don’t Be the Victim of Phone Scams: Prepaid Debit Cards

February 28th, 2014 Posted in 1st Precinct News

With the availability of Prepaid Debit Cards, criminals have developed new ways to steal from the public.

  1. A caller informs the victim that they owe back taxes to the IRS and must make immediate payment with a Green Dot Money-Pak.
  2. The victim’s family member had a car accident and the caller threatens physical violence unless immediate reimbursement is made with a Green Dot Money-Pak.
  3. Utility companies demand immediate payment by Green Dot Money-Pak or your electricity will be turned off.

Crime Prevention Tips

The NYPD’s Crime Prevention Section offers these tips to help you avoid falling victim to the scams:

  • 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.

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