Lynn Police warn of scam

LYNN ? Lynn Police are warning residents of a scam involving prepaid Green Dot credit cards and Western Union that have been reported in the city and surrounding communities.?No legitimate business should ask you for money using a Green Dot card or Western Union,” Lynn Police Lt. Rick Donnelly wrote in a press release. “If you receive a request for any type of service requiring you to use a Green Dot card or Western Union, this should raise an immediate red flag.”Police said six victims reported last week that they received a phone call soliciting money requiring the use of a Green Dot card. Green Dot cards are prepaid debit cards available at many nationwide chain stores.Four of the calls involved a suspect saying he was from National Grid and that they needed to fix the victim’s electrical meter. National Grid would fix the problem for $340.22 made payable by a Green Dot Money Pack card or Western Union. The company would then reimburse the victim and give them an additional $100.?The Lynn Police would strongly discourage members of the public from agreeing to unsolicited offers; including the selling of products and the servicing or repairing of homes and vehicles, especially through ?cold-calling,'” police said. “If a member of the public is approached with these offers and believes them to be fraudulent, they are encouraged to contact their local police department.”Police recommended citizens consult the Better Business Bureau and the Consumer Complaint Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office before allowing any company to solicit business.