LAS VEGAS - Melissa McCall had no idea when she received a call on her cell phone, she was about to get scammed.
"I was at work... and my cell phone rings. This gentleman Greg Allen said he was with the sheriff's department," she said. "He was going to put a warrant out for my arrest."
He claimed she owed a debt. "I'm just like OMG. I've never been to jail before, and I don't want to go now," she said.
She offered to pay, but the caller didn't want her debit card. He wanted a Green Dot card or prepaid credit card with a Visa or MasterCard logo. The scammers get you to give them the card number and the pin located on the back. Then, they can use the funds for online purchases.
"He told me I need to make another $150 payment in two weeks," McCall said.
Before she gave him another dime, she contacted 8 on Your Side. I-Team reporter Michelle Mortensen called the number listed for Greg Allen. When the person on the other end of the line learned he was contacted by a news station, he hung up the phone.
The Internet is full of warnings about Greg Allen. Because of scams like this one, Green Dot now posts a warning on every one of their cards.
Once McCall found out it was a scam, she stopped paying Allen. She hopes her story keeps others from falling victim.
Remember, legitimate debt collectors will never threaten to put a warrant out for your arrest. Also, don't pay a debt without getting notification in writing on what you owe and why. Finally, pre-paid debit cards offer you no protection. It's no different than paying someone in cash.
If you have a consumer question or complaint you want investigated, contact 8 on Your Side 702-650-1907.
