Reloadable debit cards, especially the legitimate “Green Dot Cards,” are the new money moving method of choice for scammers looking to make a quick buck by tricking consumers into sending them money as part of a variety of phone and internet scams.

Over the years, scam artists have typically directed victims to use global money transfer services such as Western Union and MoneyGram. However, as consumers have become more educated about this method, scammers are now demanding victims load cash onto a Green Dot MoneyPak, Vanilla Reload or similar cash-based payment device.

So how do thieves use these cards to steal your money?

In order to collect untraceable cash, the scammer instructs the victim to purchase a reloadable prepaid card that is sold at thousands of major retailers. By using the control number or PIN on the back of the card, the consumer can add funds of up to $2,500 per day, which is essentially the same as carrying cash.

The fraudster tells the victim to contact them by phone as soon as the card has been loaded, then tricks the unsuspecting consumer into giving them the control number or PIN, which the scammer then uses to immediately load the funds onto their own prepaid debit card. Since the funds are available instantly, the thief can use their card to take cash out of ATMs.

Because these services are not protected from fraud the way that credit or debit cards are, this scam typically leaves the victim with nothing.

If you happen to receive a phone call, text or e-mail from someone you do not know asking you to load cash onto a MoneyPak, Vanilla Reload, or similar cash-based payment device, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office advises you not to do it. Scams using this method to rip consumers off include the sweepstakes/lottery scam, fraudulent bill collectors, fake IRS agents, the grandparent scam and more.

For more information or to report a scam, fraud or identity theft, contact the LCSO Fraud Line at (239) 258-3287.