SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department is warning residents about a scam involving Green Dot prepaid debit cards. Sergeant Rudy Camarena indicated in a press release to Canyon News that three recent cases have taken place involving victims receiving a phone call from a person claiming to be a law enforcement agent.
The perpetrator informs the victim that (s)/he has an outstanding warrant for a red light or traffic related violation that will result in an immediate arrest unless they take care of payment over the phone. The scammer demands for the victim to get a Green Dot prepaid debit card in the amount of $1,500 to use the card as a form of payment.
Sgt. Camarena informed Canyon News that authorities are only aware of three reported incidents. He indicated no additional information on suspect(s) is known at the moment. “There has been reports of similar incidents/scams in other states ( Washington being one of them),†said Camarena.
The SMPD wants to inform residents that members of law enforcement agencies will not call asking for money to clear a warrant. Anyone who receives a warrant payment call or any similar call under suspicious circumstances asking for payment should contact the SMPD non-emergency number at (310) 458-8491.
