Lexington, SC (October 23, 2019) – Chief Terrence Green said Wednesday that area businesses should be aware that several businesses have been targeted by the Green Dot Scam over the past several months. Now, the Lexington Police Department is asking store managers to be aware of such scams.
In each situation, an individual calls the business and represents themselves as from the business corporate office. The individual on the phone explains that they owe money to the corporate office that needs to be taken care of immediately followed by instructions for the manager to remove money from the safe. They are then instructed to go to area stores and purchase Green Dot and Visa pre-paid cards. These purchases of pre-paid cards are typically asked to be done on several cards and those card numbers are asked to be shared with the caller. It is not uncommon for those involved in these scams to ask managers to send $1,000 to over $5,000 in pre-paid card numbers.
Some things to know about these calls is that the phone numbers called from typically imitate that of corporate offices of the business. There is a sense of urgency to act on the part of the manager and the caller is persuasive to complete the requested purchases by asking for the card numbers of the pre-paid cards over the phone. It is also typical that the caller will ask the manager to provide their personal information to include their state identification, email addresses and access to their online banking.
Store managers are asked to train their staff about the Green Dot Scam, to be alert to anyone asking for payment through an untraceable payment method and that if they receive a telephone call that seems suspicious, to please immediately contact law enforcement.
If your business is within the Town of Lexington and have been a victim of this or a similar scam, please contact the Lexington Police Department at 803-359-6260.
