Could your prepaid card balance vanish without warning? One shopper says it did—before he even used it
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You buy a prepaid card, load it with your hard-earned money, and head home feeling prepared.
But before you even get the chance to use it, the entire balance disappears.
That’s what one Henrico County resident says happened to him—and he’s still waiting for answers.
His experience is raising questions about just how secure these cards really are.
While many people use them for budgeting or as a safer alternative to carrying cash, they may not be as foolproof as they seem.
Robert Herndon, a senior from Henrico County, Virginia, says he lost $500 from a Green Dot prepaid card purchased at a Walmart in Henrico’s West End.
He hadn’t even had a chance to use the card when he noticed the money was gone.
“When I got home, I noticed before I hardly even had time to take the card out of the box, there was a $500 charge that I didn’t make,” Herndon told 8News.
He confirmed the transaction by checking his account and quickly contacted customer service.
“I’ve got $500 that’s been basically stolen from me at this point,” he said.
“And I would think that Walmart would want to take care of this a little quicker than they’re dealing with it.”
Herndon’s situation isn’t unique.
Prepaid cards are often advertised as convenient and safe, but they’re not immune to fraud.
And when issues do arise, getting a resolution can be a frustrating process.
After Herndon contacted the media, 8News reached out to both Walmart and Green Dot.
A Green Dot spokesperson said, “After a few attempts to reach the customer directly, our team was able to speak with him today and advise him his dispute is under review, and they would be in touch with further updates directly. Once the investigation is complete, we’re happy to follow up with you.”
As of the report, Herndon was still waiting for his money to be recovered.
Herndon’s story serves as a reminder: even trusted payment tools come with risks.
Here are some tips to keep your funds secure:
Most prepaid card companies allow you to register your card online.
This links it to your name and contact information, which can make it easier to recover funds in case of fraud.
Use the card provider’s website or app to keep an eye on your balance and transactions.
The faster you notice unauthorized activity, the better your chances of resolving it.
Don’t share your card number, PIN, or security codes—even with people claiming to be from the company.
Keep your card in a secure place just like you would with a debit or credit card.
Phishing emails, fake customer support calls, and fraudulent websites often target prepaid card users.
Double-check contact details before giving out information.
If something seems wrong, don’t wait. C
ontact customer support as soon as possible and start the dispute process right away.
Before buying a prepaid card, look over the terms and conditions.
Understanding fees, refund policies, and dispute procedures can help you know what to expect.
In response to stories like Herndon’s, Walmart urges customers to protect their gift card and prepaid card information and visit their website for tips on preventing fraud.
Still, some consumers feel more protections—and faster resolutions—are needed when things go wrong.
Herndon’s story is a cautionary tale for anyone using prepaid financial products.
While they can be a helpful tool, they’re not without risks.
Staying informed and proactive can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your money safe.
Read next: Cancer-stricken senior targeted in alleged fraud; local woman faces charges
Have you ever had issues with a prepaid or gift card? What steps do you take to protect your funds? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your tips.
But before you even get the chance to use it, the entire balance disappears.
That’s what one Henrico County resident says happened to him—and he’s still waiting for answers.
His experience is raising questions about just how secure these cards really are.
While many people use them for budgeting or as a safer alternative to carrying cash, they may not be as foolproof as they seem.
Even prepaid cards can carry hidden risks—taking simple precautions can help protect your money. Image source: YouTube / Debbie Davis.
A missing $500—before the first purchase
Robert Herndon, a senior from Henrico County, Virginia, says he lost $500 from a Green Dot prepaid card purchased at a Walmart in Henrico’s West End.
He hadn’t even had a chance to use the card when he noticed the money was gone.
“When I got home, I noticed before I hardly even had time to take the card out of the box, there was a $500 charge that I didn’t make,” Herndon told 8News.
He confirmed the transaction by checking his account and quickly contacted customer service.
“I’ve got $500 that’s been basically stolen from me at this point,” he said.
“And I would think that Walmart would want to take care of this a little quicker than they’re dealing with it.”
Also read: These popular stores are reselling Dollar Tree items at insane markups—are you being duped?
Getting help wasn’t easy
Herndon’s situation isn’t unique.
Prepaid cards are often advertised as convenient and safe, but they’re not immune to fraud.
And when issues do arise, getting a resolution can be a frustrating process.
After Herndon contacted the media, 8News reached out to both Walmart and Green Dot.
A Green Dot spokesperson said, “After a few attempts to reach the customer directly, our team was able to speak with him today and advise him his dispute is under review, and they would be in touch with further updates directly. Once the investigation is complete, we’re happy to follow up with you.”
As of the report, Herndon was still waiting for his money to be recovered.
Also read: Shocking Walmart receipt scandal: 22 items added without purchase—protect your wallet from this nightmare
How to protect yourself when using prepaid cards
Herndon’s story serves as a reminder: even trusted payment tools come with risks.
Here are some tips to keep your funds secure:
1. Register your card
Most prepaid card companies allow you to register your card online.
This links it to your name and contact information, which can make it easier to recover funds in case of fraud.
2. Monitor your account
Use the card provider’s website or app to keep an eye on your balance and transactions.
The faster you notice unauthorized activity, the better your chances of resolving it.
3. Protect your card info
Don’t share your card number, PIN, or security codes—even with people claiming to be from the company.
Keep your card in a secure place just like you would with a debit or credit card.
Also read: A new threat shakes trust in a major insurer’s security system
4. Watch out for scams
Phishing emails, fake customer support calls, and fraudulent websites often target prepaid card users.
Double-check contact details before giving out information.
5. Report problems immediately
If something seems wrong, don’t wait. C
ontact customer support as soon as possible and start the dispute process right away.
6. Read the terms
Before buying a prepaid card, look over the terms and conditions.
Understanding fees, refund policies, and dispute procedures can help you know what to expect.
Also read: How to spot the nearly invisible device found at CVS that could be stealing your card info
What Walmart says
In response to stories like Herndon’s, Walmart urges customers to protect their gift card and prepaid card information and visit their website for tips on preventing fraud.
Still, some consumers feel more protections—and faster resolutions—are needed when things go wrong.
Herndon’s story is a cautionary tale for anyone using prepaid financial products.
While they can be a helpful tool, they’re not without risks.
Staying informed and proactive can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your money safe.
Read next: Cancer-stricken senior targeted in alleged fraud; local woman faces charges
Have you ever had issues with a prepaid or gift card? What steps do you take to protect your funds? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your tips.
