Common Types of Scams

Fraudsters can be creative and come up with new ways to perform their scams. Regardless of their means or methods of committing fraud, there are many common types of scams you can remain mindful of to help keep yourself and your finances safe.

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Identity Theft

Identity theft involves someone stealing your personal and financial information and assuming your identity to open financial accounts or conduct business in your name. Thieves use various methods to collect sensitive information, such as your Social Security number, driver’s license, and bank account details. They use these details to open credit accounts or personal loans in your name, leaving you with devastating amounts of debt.

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Phishing

Phishing is a form of fraud where a thief uses deceptive tactics, often through emails or websites, to trick you into revealing sensitive information like passwords or credit card details. Phishing communications might prompt you to click on a link to a page where you are asked to log in or "verify” your bank account information. Once you enter the requested information, the thieves can use it to access your real accounts.

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Spoofing

Spoofing occurs when fraudsters disguise their identity by mimicking another person or organization. They do this by using an email address that appears or is close to a familiar and trusted source or by creating a “cloned” version of a legitimate website to convince their victims to engage. Spoofing and phishing are often used together to scam you out of your personal data, making them difficult to spot.

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Debt Collection

Debt collection fraud is one of the oldest and most common scams, preying on people's financial fears. Fraudsters contact unsuspecting individuals, claiming they have an outstanding debt requiring immediate payment. These scammers often use aggression, threats, and harassment to pressure victims into paying over the phone before they can verify the validity of the debt.

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Advance Fees

Advance fee scams target consumers by offering a loan with the condition that they pay a fee before receiving the funds. There are various “reasons” they might cite for the fee; however, no reputable loan company, such as California Check Cashing Stores, will ever ask you to pay a fee upfront.

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Our California Commitment:

We know that our fellow California residents rely on California Check Cashing Stores for money services. Like a good neighbor, you can count on California Check Cashing Stores to be there, ready to help however we can—including protecting you from scams.

You can trust that California Check Cashing Stores will NEVER:

  • Contact you directly through social media channels.
  • Text or call you requesting personal information or immediate repayment.
  • Make offers or promises to you in exchange for advance fee payment.
We highly recommend that our fellow Californians contact us through our secure and verified customer service communication channels.

Security and Fraud FAQs

Just what is fraud?

Fraud is an act performed by scammers with the clear intention of deceiving unsuspecting people, with the goal of achieving personal or financial gains. The methods scammers use to extract personal information vary depending on the type of scam. In some cases, they may use spoofing, or if it’s financially based fraud, they may employ debt collection or advance fee methods to achieve their goals. 

What ways can you tell if you are facing fraud?

There is no single answer to how you can know if something is fraud, as each act is different. However, there are some common red flags to remain aware of. These might include noticing unexpected changes in your financial statements or credit report. Or perhaps receiving messages asking you to verify purchases you didn’t make, or notifications about a loan you didn’t sign for. To avoid fraud, it’s important to stay proactive by regularly monitoring your accounts and being cautious with your personal details.

What is phishing regarding fraud and scams? 

Phishing is a type of scam in which a fraudster impersonates legitimate organizations in an attempt to steal a person’s personal information, such as bank account numbers, debit card information, or other sensitive data. Often, this type of scam is carried out through digital methods such as emails, text messages, or fake websites. 

I haven’t heard of an advance-fee scam before, what is it?

An advance-fee scam occurs when a fraudster requests an individual to pay a fee under the assumption that it’s for processing or insurance to receive a loan. No legitimate lender, including California Check Cashing Stores, will ever ask you to pay an advance fee.

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Customer Notice: There are a wide variety of financial products available in the marketplace, so your choice should match your financial needs. Small-dollar loans used over a long period of time can be expensive.


Noticia al Consumidor: Existe una amplia variedad de productos financieros disponibles en el mercado, por lo que su elección debe coincidir con sus necesidades financieras. Los préstamos de poco dinero utilizados durante un largo período de tiempo pueden ser costosos.


Green Dot: must be 18 or older to open an account. Online access, mobile number verification (via text message) and identity verification (including SSN) are required to open and use your account. Mobile number verification, email address verification and mobile app are required to access all features.


  1. Early direct deposit availability depends on payor type, timing, payment instructions, and bank fraud prevention measures. AS such, early direct deposit availability may vary from pay period to pay period. The name and Social Security number on file with your employer or benefits provider must match your Green Dot account to prevent fraud restrictions on the account.
  2. Opt-in required. Account must be in good standing and chip-enabled debit card activated to opt-in. Initial and ongoing eligible direct deposits are required for overdraft coverage. Additional criteria may apply which can affect your eligibility and your overdraft coverage. Overdrafts are paid at our discretion. Overdraft fees may cause your account to be overdrawn by an amount that is greater than your overdraft coverage. A $15 fee may apply to each eligible purchase transaction that brings your account negative. Balance must be brought to at least $0 within 24 hours of authorization of the first transaction that overdraws your account to avoid a fee.
  3. See app for free ATM locations. 1 free in-network withdrawal per calendar month. $3.00 per withdrawal thereafter. $3.00 for out-of-network withdrawals and $1.00 for balance inquiries, plus any fee the ATM owner may charge. Limits apply.


Green Dot® cards are issued by Green Dot Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association. And by Mastercard international Inc. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. Green Dot Bank also operates under the following registered trade names: GO2bank, GoBank and Bonneville Bank. All of these registered trade names are used by, and refer to, a single FDIC-insured bank, Green Dot Bank. Deposits under any of these trade names are deposit with Green Dot Ban and are aggregated for deposit insurance coverage up to the allowable limits. ©2023 Green Dot Bank. All rights reserved. Green Dot Corporation NMLS #914924; Green Dot Bank NMLS #908739


The USA PATRIOT Act is a Federal law that requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. You will be asked to provide your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow us to identify you. You may also be asked to provide documentation as proof of identification. Approval is contingent upon successfully passing this mandatory identification confirmation.


Loan Products: Subject to state regulations, eligibility, credit check, underwriting & approval, and meet state database eligibility, where required based on type of lending product requested. All products are not available at all locations. Rates, terms and conditions apply. See associate for details. Lending decisions and funding times subject to system limitations. Some applications may require additional verification, which can delay the lending decision.


Non-Loan Store Services: Rules, restrictions, and fees apply. See store for details.


California consumers: Company is licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation pursuant to California Deferred Deposit Transaction Law, Cal. Fin. Code §23000 et seq.


Consumidores de California: Compañía está autorizada por el Departamento de Protección e Innovación Financiera bajo la ley de Transacciones Depósito Diferidas de California, Cal. Fin. Código § 23000, et seq.