Dont Let Scammers Steal Your Holiday Cheer and Money

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MoneyGram (MGI) (NYSE: MGI), a leading global money transfer company, is warning consumers that scam artists are out to turn the season of giving into the season of taking, by attempting to defraud people out of their hard-earned money during the holiday season. Thats why the company has enlisted former NYPD detective and noted anti-fraud expert Harry Houck to raise awareness and help consumers protect themselves from becoming victims of scams typically on the rise this time of the year.

Fraudsters never take a holiday, so its important for consumers to be alert to signs of possible fraud, to keep their shopping and charitable dollars out of the hands of these criminals, said Phyllis Skene-Stimac, senior vice president and chief compliance officer of MoneyGram. At MoneyGram, we want to steal any opportunities the thieves may have to get their hands on consumers money through illegal methods, and help consumers learn their tricks before they become victims.

Former NYPD detective Houck added, Three types of scams typically increase during the holiday season, with scammers attempting to extract funds from unsuspecting individuals hoping to earn extra money for holiday spending, give money to charities, and shop for gifts online. He offers insight into red flags that consumers should watch for:

• Earning: Many people want to earn extra spending money for holiday shopping, and may be tempted by offers to work at home or become a mystery shopper for a product or retailer. The recipient may be asked to send a wire transfer or money order for a start-up kit, or the recipient receives a large check to cash which turns out to be fraudulent and is instructed to spend some of the money and wire the rest back. Once the consumer sends the money, there is no way to get it back.
• Giving: Legitimate charities increase their solicitations during the holidays to take advantage of feelings of goodwill, but many scammers use fake charities to try to steal money from well-meaning consumers. If a charity isnt well known or sounds like a scam, consumers should check it out thoroughly before making a donation.
• Shopping: Products and deals advertised on the internet that seem too good to be true probably are. Scammers entice consumers into believing theyre getting a deal, and ask for advance payment through a money transfer or money order. Consumers wont receive the merchandise, and they wont get their money back.

According to Houck, consumers should never wire money to someone they dont know ever. He advises consumers to keep their hard-earned dollars in their own pockets by following the three Rs recognize, react, and report.

• Recognize: Savvy consumers should look for red flags when someone asks them to send money through a wire service or money order, because scammers often request these methods knowing that once the money is sent, it cannot be retrieved.
• React: When they identify a scam, consumers should immediately put an end to any transaction or conversation hang up the phone, delete the email, or end the back-and-forth messaging.
• Report: Report the suspected scam to the local police, and file reports with the Federal Trade Commission , National Consumers League , and Internet Crime Complaint Center (if the suspected fraud was online).

Consumers should call 1-800-MONEYGRAM (800-666-3947) if they believe MoneyGram was used to wire money as a result of a scam. Since mid-2010, MoneyGram has prevented millions of dollars in suspected fraud activity, put those dollars back in the pockets of consumers, and kept the funds out of the hands of scammers.

As part of the companys ongoing efforts to protect consumers from fraud, MoneyGram recently launched an enhanced version of its fraud prevention website moneygrampreventfraud.com where consumers can arm themselves with information to prevent monetary losses.

About MoneyGram International

MoneyGram International, a leading money transfer company, enables consumers who are not fully served by traditional financial institutions to meet their financial needs. MoneyGram offers bill payment services in the United States and Canada and money transfer services worldwide through a global network of more than 293,000 agent locations including retailers, international post offices and financial institutions in 197 countries and territories. To learn more about money transfer or bill payment at an agent location or online, please visit moneygram.com or connect with us on Facebook.

MoneyGram International
Mike Gutierrez/Sophia Stoller, 214-303-9923
media@moneygram.com

Source: MoneyGram International

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