Crime & Safety
Online Loan Scams Still Preying on Hopatcong Residents
Police warn of 'Green Dot' scams that are continuing to impact area residents.
Hopatcong Police are warning residents the online loan scams have continued.
According to Lt. Thomas Kmetz, a resident recently reported she contacted an online loan company, A1 Cash Advance, and gave her personal information to a man named Michael Johnson.
Johnson informed the woman she could get a $5,000 loan even though she only was asking for a $2,000 loan to help pay some bills, Kmetz said.
Johnson requested the woman purchase a pre-paid debit card (Green Dot Card) with a $199 on it, Kmetz said. The card was sent to Johnson and a few days later, he told the woman he needed another card for $180 to process the loan, according to Kmetz.
The woman provided the second card, but days went by and she didn't receive anything from A1 Cash Advance, Kmetz said. The woman tried to contact Johnson at the number he provided (206-497-9139), but was unsuccessful and notified police.
Kmetz said the phone number Johnson provided and the company name are associated with a Green Doy scam.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
