Middle-Class Tax Refund Cards are Vulnerable to Scams
A large amount of Californians are reporting that scammers have drained their inflation relief debit cards, prompting a state lawmaker to sound the alarm about rampant “remote fraud” like the EDD cheating scandal of 2020.
According to a published post by ABC7News, reports are pouring in from state officials and 7 On Your Side of Californians saying someone withdrew all or most of the money on their middle-class tax refund debit card, often before you get a chance to use them.
The card is loaded with up to $350 per person plus dependents to help reduce inflation. Money Network has issued about eight million of the 11 million debit cards currently sent to California residents.
Scammers Drain Middle-Class Tax Refund Cards
The cards sent out so far are loaded with a total of about $4.3 billion in public funds. This week, ABC7 viewers flooded the offices of 7 On Your Side, often with emails saying scammers had withdrawn most or all of their money shortly after the card was used once.
Some say scammers stole the money before the card was activated. “I went through McDonald’s, picked up $10, drove to the gas station next door and card was blank. Los Angeles in Anaheim someone used my card and he charged $232.16 but the rest is on the card.” Concord’s Bob said, “Before I used the card, a thief illegally bought him $335 of goodies.
My neighbor experienced the same phenomenon, and so did others in the neighborhood.” did.” Many people have said that they have tried to contact Money Network to dispute the fraudulent charges, but have been unsuccessful. “We tried to use our card but ran out,” said one couple. “She had $1,050. She’s off now. The phone number to report this was busy and they hung up.”
