Police Warn Of Cash Card Phone Scam In Santa Clara County

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA -- Police in Santa Clara are warning the public about a phone scam involving MoneyPak or GreenDot reloadable cash cards that has victimized some residents in the South Bay.

According to police, scammers call victims and pose as city or federal employees. They tell the victims that they owe money for a traffic ticket, income tax, warrant or a late utility bill.

The scammers then request immediate payment, and suggest that the easiest way to resolve the matter is to purchase a MoneyPak or GreenDot reloadable cash card, which can be purchased at a drug and or convenience store. According to police, the cards are similar to cash and are not traceable.

Once the victim provides the suspect with the number on the back of the card, they can immediately download the value of that card anywhere in the world.

According to police, no legitimate business would ask someone to make a payment this way. Anyone who receives a call like this should hang up and call the company's customer service phone number on their bill.

Anyone with questions or concerns about this scam can contact the Santa Clara Police Department at (408) 615-4700.

Bay City News contributed to this report/Image via Shutterstock