Preventing ScamsSpotting ScamsReport a ScamAdditional Resources
Treat your MoneyPak number and MoneyPak receipt the way you treat cash. Whoever has those has your cash, and Green Dot won’t be able to get it back for you. Here are two easy tips for avoiding scams: 1. Only give your MoneyPak number to someone you know, trust, and have met face-to-face. 2. Remember that no legitimate company or government agency will ever ask you for a MoneyPak number.
Please take a moment to review these common scams. Remember, you can stop every one of these by refusing to provide a MoneyPak number. Keep in mind, there are many variations, and you should always be suspicious if a stranger asks you for a MoneyPak number.•Tax ScamThe criminal claims that you owe taxes and payment must be made using MoneyPak. They may also threaten incarceration or additional financial penalties if the payment is not made.•E-Commerce ScamThe criminal is selling something online and requests MoneyPak as the form of payment. The item you purchased never arrives.•Loan ScamThe criminal claims that you are pre-approved for a loan, but you need to pay upfront fees in order to qualify for the loan and/or make the first two payments with a MoneyPak.•Bail ScamThe criminal claims that your friend or family member is in jail, or in trouble while travelling, and asks you to send them cash with a MoneyPak.•Bill Payment ScamThe criminal claims that your service will be shut off if you don’t pay a bill using MoneyPak. Alternatively, they claim to offer a promotion, and you can enter by giving them a MoneyPak number.•Lottery ScamThe criminal claims that you have won the lottery. To claim your money, you must pay fees or taxes using MoneyPak.•FBI Computer Virus ScamA notice on your computer states the FBI has locked your device due to criminal internet activity, and that you must make a payment using MoneyPak. Even if you pay, they will not unlock your computer.•Criminal Charges ScamThe criminal claims that you’re under investigation by law enforcement, and if you don’t pay with a MoneyPak, charges will be filed against you, resulting in incarceration.•Check Cashing ScamYou receive a check in the mail along with a letter that asks that you cash the check and send some of the proceeds back via MoneyPak. The check then bounces and the criminal does not return the funds that they received via MoneyPak•Romance ScamThe criminal creates a fake profile on a dating site. They start a conversation with you, and eventually say they need a MoneyPak to help them move.•Job ScamThe criminal sends you a job offer, and claims that he needs a MoneyPak number to pay for the background check, work uniform, etc.
If you think you may have been scammed, please contact your local police department. You can also submit a fraud claim to Green Dot.Important: Green Dot is not responsible for paying you back if you unsuspectingly give your MoneyPak number to a criminal.