During the first week of August 2014, a 70-year-old South San Francisco resident applied for an online loan via “E-Loans. “The victim received a telephone call by a suspect who identified himself as “Gary Jones “from “E-Loans. “The victim provided his personal banking information and was told the monies were deposited into his account at this time. The victim was then advised to withdraw $1,099 via three Green Dot Money Pak cards and remit payment to “Gary Jones.”The victim did so and was later contacted by his bank that the deposit transaction was fraudulent.
Green Dot Money Pak is a pre-paid money card that is purchased by consumers in any amount. Consumers can purchase these cards at any convenience store. Once the card is purchased and activated, anyone with the authorization number on the rear of the card can access the funds. The back of the card contains a warning label stating:If anyone asks you for your Money Pak number or information from your receipt, it’s a scam!