Green Dot Money Scam Thwarted

Employees at CVS helped break up a “Green Dot” money scam last Friday, Clarkstown Police (CPD) reports.

CPD says that on August 29 a 57-year-old female from Valley Cottage almost got scammed for more than $2,500 in cash, after the victim received a phone message from someone who identified themselves as an agent with the IRS. The fraudster stated that the victim owed money for back taxes or would face arrest. The caller instructed the victim to purchase Green Dot Money Paks at the CVS pharmacy.

The victim followed instructions, went to her local bank and withdrew the cash. The victim then went to CVS in New City to purchase the paks, but that’s when the cashier alerted a manager to the large Green Dot Money purchase. The manager was aware of the ongoing scam warned of by CPD and alerted the victim.

CPD offers these tips to avoid falling for this scam:

•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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