Full Notification

On May 7, 2014, the Corona Police Department received information from the Corona Department of Water and Power (DWP) concerning a telephonic scam. Personnel at DWP have received calls from businesses who advise they are getting calls from someone claiming to be with So Cal Edison. A local business received a call that they were behind on electricity payments and they needed to go to the nearest Walgreens to make a payment on their bill; otherwise, the electricity would be shut off in one hour.

The Corona Police Department Economic Crimes Unit is aware of these telephonic scams. They are commonly known as the “Green Dot MoneyPak” card scams. The “Green Dot” cards are legitimate, reloadable debit cards that can be used to make purchases. They are not linked to a bank account, more convenient than a money wire, and just like cash, they are not traceable. These cards can be purchased at retail stores, but offer no consumer protection from fraud, so you do not get your money back.

In most cases, callers representing themselves as collectors, request victims to purchase the “Green Dot MoneyPak” cards for a specified amount and call them back with the serial number. Once the scammer has the “Green Dot MoneyPak” number, they are able to transfer the funds and the victim is out the money. Some callers claim if the money is not received, consequences of lost utilities, fees, fines, arrest, and even deportation are inevitable.

To avoid becoming a victim, the Corona Police Department offers these tips.
• Be suspicious of callers who demand immediate payment for any reason.
• Remember that anyone who has the number on a “Green Dot” card has access to the funds on the card.
• Never give out personal or financial information to anyone who emails or calls you unsolicited.
• Never wire money, provide debit or credit card numbers, or “Green Dot” card numbers to anyone you do not know.
• Utility companies and government agencies will not contact you demanding immediate payment “Green Dot MoneyPak” cards.
• If you are unsure, it is okay to let the caller know you would like to verify who they are and offer to call them back. You can always call DWP Customer Care at (951) 736-2321 for assistance.