Milford Police are investigating after two separate complaints involving phone scams.
Police began investigating on Sept. 16 after a victim told them that she received a phone call from a male who called himself “Marshall.”
“Marshall” said that he was from the IRS and that the victim owed them $4,000.
“Marshall” told the victim that she had 30 minutes to pay the money or she would be arrested.
“Marshall” instructed her to purchase a Green Dot Money Pack cards, load the due amount onto the cards and provide him with the transaction numbers off the back of the cards.
The victim followed these instructions, providing “Marshall” with $2,000. Afterwards, the victim felt suspicious and called police.
On Sept. 20, police received another compliant involving the use of Green Dot Money Pack cards.
Local
This time, a local business owner received a call from a male who called himself “Mike Lopez” from the United Illuminating Company.
“Mike” told the business owner that the utility company was changing over their electrical meters and the business needed to zero out their outstanding balance due prior to this taking place or their electrical service would be terminated.
The male instructed the business owner to purchase two Green Dot Money Pack cards, load the money on them and call him back to provide the transaction numbers of the rear of the card over the phone for payment.
The business owner provided “Mike” with the transaction numbers off the back of the card and gave the scammer access to $800.
Police want to warn residents that legitimate government and business agencies do not conduct business in this manner. They do not instruct their victims to purchase Green Dot Money Pack cards.
Once the scammer gets the transaction numbers off the back of the Green Dot Money Pack cards, they can use them to reload funds onto a prepaid Visa or Mastercard, add money to a PayPal account without using a bank account or make a same-day payment to major companies.
Always verify any unsolicited business transaction requests by contacting the company yourself with a number or email that you obtain.
I f you do receive a suspicious call of this nature, immediately contact local police and the business or agency the scammer claims to be a representative from.
Green Dot also has a fraud reporting number that you can contact. Call 1-800-GREEN –DOT or visit www.greendot.com.
