Leader Staff
Shawano police are warning that a scam originating in Milwaukee early this year is starting to show up in the Shawano area.
The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau issued a warning to consumers in May to beware of scammers using the Green Dot MoneyPak prepaid cards to scam. The reloadable debit cards are widely available nationwide and can be purchased at many local stores.
MoneyPaks can be used for funding PayPal accounts and to pay phone, cable or credit card bills. But the BBB warns that criminals are also using them to con consumers.
Fraudsters will call or email you saying that you won a lottery or sweepstakes, or offering a product or service at a discount price. Then, they say you need to pay fees to get your prize, or pre-pay for the merchandise via MoneyPak. Next, they ask for the 14-digit code found on the back of the card. Once you’ve given them that code, you’ve given them instant access, and the crooks can transfer your MoneyPak funds to their own prepaid cards.
Shawano Police Chief Mark Kohl said the scam has been occurring in the community.
To avoid falling for MoneyPak scams, the Better Business Bureau suggests the following:
• Never give their MoneyPak number to someone they don’t know.
• Use your MoneyPak only to reload your prepaid cards or accounts that you control.
• Refuse offers that ask you to buy a MoneyPak and share the number or receipt information by email or phone.
• Avoid websites or advertisements specifically requesting payment via MoneyPak.
• Don’t use the MoneyPak to pay taxes or fees to claim “winnings” on a foreign lottery or prize promotion. Foreign lotteries are illegal, and you shouldn’t have to pay to receive a prize. Unless it’s an approved MoneyPak partner, don’t use MoneyPak for any offer that requires you to pay before you get an item.
• Remember that advance-fee loan offers are illegal and targeted at customers struggling with debt and poor credit.
• If you’re told you have to pay a fee — via MoneyPak or wire transfer — to collect a prize or sweepstakes winnings, you’re being scammed.
• Avoid offers that don’t accept credit card payments and require you to purchase a MoneyPak and provide the card number via e-mail or phone.
• Treat MoneyPak cards like cash. Unlike credit cards, MoneyPak transactions can never be reversed.
• Check MoneyPak’s list of approved partners before you use your MoneyPak to pay.