Scammers are now accepting payments through reloadable pre-paid debit cards or Green Dot MoneyPaks. Rather than relying solely on wire transfers, frauds are eliciting MoneyPaks to cover advance fees on nonexistent products, ransomware threats, lotteries and loans.
According to Better Business Bureau’s complaints, consumers allege that local loan companies are using these pre-paid cards to solicit upfront funds.
Spend with caution. MoneyPaks should be treated like cash; unlike credit cards, most transactions are irreversible and untraceable. Beware if:
- Advance fees are required on loans or lottery prizes.
- Phone calls, emails and other requests are unsolicited, unexpected or threatening.
- MoneyPaks are the only acceptable payment method on retailers’ websites, auctions or classified ad sites.
Consumers can find a list of authorized MoneyPak partners at moneypak.com.
BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington encourages scam victims to file complaints at bbb.org and report frauds at greendot.com.
About your BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington:
For 100 years, BBB has been advancing marketplace trust. BBB is a neutral not-for-profit organization that helps consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. For more information on ethical business standards, BBB Accreditation, BBB Business Reviews, Charity Reviews, complaints, events and anti-fraud tips, contact BBB or visit www.bbb.org.
