“GreenDot, Red Flag!”
This is no way of ranting. If I wanted to do that, I could have clouded my blog with words of disappointment and feelings of violation. Posting a paragraph-length bombast on Facebook would only create threads of comments that will not help others who are unaware. That is the purpose of this article—awareness. As a boy, I was told that when someone takes something from you against your approval, they obviously needed it more than you did. It is difficult to disregard that sense of intrusion. It doesn’t disappear. It lingers like a ghost with unfinished business. It’s as if what was done has the potential of resurfacing. Allow my experience to paint you a recent picture.
I was emailed on the 20th of September by a “parent” who wanted their child tutored in reading and writing. He stated that he saw my name on Georgia Regents University Writing Center website under “Private Tutors”. He said that my services would be required come the fourth week in October. He sent me a check in the amount of $2,580, requesting that I deduct my tutorial fee, as well as expenses towards gas and materials. I deposited the check upon his request and proceeded to send back the difference through a GreenDot MoneyPak and two Money Grams from Walmart. After sending him back over $2,000, the check was sent back to my bank. The funds weren’t available to validate the “parent’s” payment. I asked him why did the check bounce, by which he responded by confirming that he would contact his financial bank. This action was suppose to issue me a refund. At that point, I hadn’t heard from him in almost a week. The police department informed me nothing could be done. I issued a claim for a refund to my bank, including substantial evidence that a scam had taken place.
There was a huge chance I would not be compensated for a false check or the funds I already acquired prior to the deposit, for my account fell to a drastic -$2,154. All I could do is hope for the best. So often in situations like this, we ask ourselves,” Why me?” Why not? Paying taxes, giving to the homeless, telling the truth, and putting others first doesn’t exempt an individual from being manipulated by others. I didn’t do most of these listed, but this is how most of us think. There will always be those who rather take what they want opposed to earning it through hard work. Again, this article isn’t written out of frustration and a need for retribution. There’s no vendetta being spelled out here for this culprit to read and take heed of my concern. This article is for those who lack a keen sense for knowing when they are being swindled by imposters. Such ignorance can get your possessions stolen, such as your money and the ability to trust.
Avoiding this situation can be done with the proper precautions:
1) Question the individual about the source from which they have received information pertaining to you. Knowing intimate details about you doesn’t mean they have access to your inner circle.
2) Ask for a return address and telephone number.
3) If you do receive a check, gather information pertaining to the bank by which it is endorsed. Google it if necessary. Validation is very important involving legal concerns.
4) If you question the check’s authenticity, take it to a bank to gather a thorough inspection.
5) Do not entertain the correspondent with any information if you personally do not know them, especially if he or she is hesitant towards returning their own.
Our desperation for means of living can cloud our judgment. It can cost us time, money and our ability to decipher between reality and hallucinations. Be careful with whom you share your valued information. Always gather a paper trail leading back to the source of the scam. Knowing this benefits both you and millions of others who are naïve to this trending con.
