Boston Police Alert Businesses of Green Dot Scam

The Boston Police Department is alerting businesses of an  emerging scam targeting business owners.

BPD has received several reports from victims who state an unknown male caller, claiming to be an employee of NStar, asking that businesses pay their utility bill (often up to $1,000) with a Green Dot MoneyPak card.  

The caller threatens to shut off their power if they fail to pay and instructs business owners to purchase a MoneyPak card and then provide the numbers to him for payment.

In some cases the suspect identifies himself as, John Aderson and appears to have called from(866)343-5288, police said. 

Money Pak cards, also known as Green dot cards, can be purchased at convince stores such as (CVS, Kmart, & Wal-Mart) and loaded in any dollar amount up to $1,000. Once the card is loaded, it can be used as a credit card. 

“Business owners should be mindful, companies such as NStar, do not ask for this form of payment,"police said.

If any person or company calls to ask for payment to be made specifically with these cards, the Boston Police Dept. recommends you do not comply and immediately report the incident to your local police and the company the caller claims to represent.   

Anyone with information related to the recent scam is asked to contact District 4 Detectives at  617-343-5619.