The South San Francisco Police Department has seen a rise in internet scams where Green Dot gift cards are used as a method of payment.
On May 12, 2014, a South San Francisco resident was looking on the Craigslist website and saw a Chevrolet Impala for sale. The victim communicated with a person he believed to be the owner of the vehicle via text messages and e-mail. The victim was told to purchase Green Dot gift cards and text message pictures of the cards’ serial numbers to the vehicle’s owner. The victim purchased $1500.00 worth of Green Dot gift cards and sent the pictures to the alleged vehicle owner. The victim believed the vehicle was being shipped to him from Michigan by EBay. The victim was again contacted by the alleged vehicle owner and asked to provide an additional $1000.00 to cover insurance and shipping. The victim again bought Green Dot gift cards and sent the information to the alleged vehicle owner. After five days, the vehicle was not delivered and EBay confirmed they do not ship vehicles. The victim found the Green Dot cards had been cashed and realized he was the victim of a fraud.