Warning: Rite-Aid Scam May Give Thieves Access to Your Money

A Rite-Aid scam nearly cost a Pennsylvania woman her financial security after she received a letter telling her that she had won $18,000 from Rite-Aid.

The scammer called the victim and informed her that in order to claim her prize money, she need to purchase a $500 prepaid Green Dot card and deliver the card's serial number to the scammer, reports UPI.

This scam is not unique in its targets or methods, and there are several ways you can avoid it.

Similar to the 'MoneyPak' Scam

Folks in western Pennsylvania have been receiving scam calls informing them that they've won a Rite-Aid sweepstakes, and even the local army barracks has been placed on alert, reports the Associated Press.

Police report that the scam caller has since been traced to Jamaica, and no arrests have been made.

This Rite-Aid scam shares many similarities with the "MoneyPak" virus, which has infected computers nationwide. The "MoneyPak" scam requested that users give them $200 in the form of a MoneyPak code.

MoneyPak and Green Dot are prepaid debit cards which are sold with a certain amount of dollars preloaded, which can then be reloaded as you use the cards for purchases.

Scammers like prepaid debit cards because they are a quick, and fairly untraceable way to turn electronically transferred money into cash.

How to Avoid Being Scammed

Regardless of whether the scammer uses the Internet or the phone like with the Rite-Aid scam, keep these rules in mind to avoid becoming a victim:

1. Guard your financial or personal information. If an email or caller requests your credit card number or Social Security number, don't reply.
2. Distrust requests for payment by prepaid card. Legitimate businesses and creditors will not ever ask you for payment in a strange fashion like a prepaid debit card.
3. Verify information separately. Make sure to verify any claims you think are legitimate by checking a business via the Better Business Bureau or other consumer protection agency.

Related Resources:

• Rite Aid Scam Targets Customers: 4 Things To Know About The Fake $18000 Sweepstake Calls (Latin Times)
• Report a Scam (Better Business Bureau)
• Miami-Dade Jail Inmates Involved in Phone Scam (FindLaw's Blotter)
• Signing Up for Credit Card Fraud Alerts Can Pay Off (FindLaw's Common Law)