Green Dot Card Used to Scam Darien Resident Out of $270

A scam purporting to offer a free iPad and free Dish Network channels in exchange for a Dish Network purchase was reported in Darien on Aug. 13.

A male caller who identified himself as an employee of Dish Network told a Darien rest that a free receiver, free channels and an iPad were being offered for a renewal. The resident was instructed to go to Wal-Mart and purchase a Green Dot gift card for $270. The resident purchased the gift card and provided the caller with the card and PIN number. 

The following day, another call was received by the resident with the same deal. The caller hung up after being questioned about the free merchandise call the day prior.
 
Green Dot gift cards are a common way scammers get immediate money, according to Darien police. After purchasing a gift card, the scammer will call the victim and obtain the card number and PIN. With this information the scammer can immediately transfer the balance off of the victim's card and the money is untraceable.

Avoid Being Scammed

Be cautious about any unsolicited phone calls, e-mails, or people showing up at your residence unannounced. Do not allow access to your residence by anyone you had not personally made contact with. Do not respond to e-mails asking you to confirm user names and passwords. 

If you suspect you have provided personal information:

• Contact your local financial institutions and credit card companies. 
• A report should be filed with your local police department.
• You can contact the three credit reporting bureaus to report fraudulent activity.
• You can request a free copy of your credit report through annualcreditreport.com.