Full Notification

SCAM ALERT
French Camp, CA A scam using a pre-paid card that works like cash is going around San Joaquin County. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office has received a number of calls from consumers who have been targeted by the scam.
Green Dot MoneyPak cards have a legitimate use, but crooks are asking people to buy them, load them up with money and then give the thieves the 14 digit number to the card, so they can drain it.
The scam works in many ways, including phone calls implying that consumers have a warrant for their arrest or someone posing as a Deputy Sheriff collecting bail that must be paid immediately. But it can also come in the form of a phone call promising a winning sweepstakes and in order to claim the prize, money must be added to the card.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office has this advice to avoid being scammed:
• 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 via MoneyPak.
If you have been a victim of one of these scams or need any additional information contact your local law enforcement agency or visit the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division website oag.ca.gov/consumer.