A very serious and costly scam is currently targeting mystery shoppers right now. I have been contacted by several of my subscribers, who have been victimized by it. Unfortunately, some of my subscribers have informed me that someone is impersonating MysteryShopOnline.com in perpetrating the scam.
This is very serious: If anyone claiming to represent a mystery shopping company sends you a large check, DO NOT CASH IT. Even if the bank says it is OK. Even if they claim to represent a company you have worked with. Even if they claim to represent MysteryShopOnline.com. They are lying and out to steal your money. DO NOT CASH THE CHECK. Instead, contact the police, the Federal Trade Commission. Your state’s attorney general may also be a good person to contact.
When protecting yourself from scams in the mystery shopping world, there are two rules of thumb that I follow:
- Never cash a large check from any mystery shopping company, especially as part of an assignment.
- I never give my Social Security Number to any company until AFTER I have completed an assignment with them, and gotten paid for it.
There are plenty of legitimate mystery shopping companies out there, and if you’re a little careful it is relatively easy to avoid scams.
If anyone claiming to represent MysteryShopOnline.com has contacted you about completing a mystery shopping assignment, please send me an email or leave a comment. I would like to get to the bottom of this, and stop the person who is damaging my business. Thank you.
Hey People this has happened to me twice but I ripped and shredded both checks and I think another is on the way which I MOST DEF will be reporting. I learned that you should always check the bank that the check is written from and if it says New York, just look at the address. Most business in New York central, will have the address such as 1234 w45th st, Ny Ny or if the location has a street name the name will be listed but it will always be New York, New York, zipcode, USA. I hope nobody gets scammed again. I know how it can feel.
To KD
I just received an email to send some money to him because he is a travel agent. WOW i guess he is on a roll today. I will be reporting him tonight.
Antonio is a busy man. I’m so glad I did a web search. I responded to a personal assistant ad posted on Craigslist, the poster is supposedly disabled and arriving from Dublin, Ireland on 9/12. Yesterday I got a check, and today these instructions:
I instructed a client of mine owing me $3900 in NY to send you a check via FEDEX Express delivery envelope, you are to deduct your payment of $700 (payment for a week)and also send $2600 via Money-Gram to my traveling agent in Georgia.below is the name of the receiver, you are to get back to me the transfer information (8 digit transfer code or Reference number and the exact amount sent). You are to keep the remaining $600 with you till i come around. You are to deduct the transfer chargers from the remaining $600 left with you. Please have this done latest by today so that my flight booking won’t be delayed, i will give you a call as soon as you have it done. I believe i can trust you on this fund.
FULL NAME: Antonio Fermaint
CONTACT ADDRESS: 7105 Hania Dr.
Fairburn, GEORGIA. 30213
Needless to say, I will be going to the authorities, and not cashing this check.
DOES THIS LOOK LIKE A BOGUS OFFER. FROM CRAIGS LIST ?????? IS THIS WHAT YOU GOT IN THE BEGINNING ?? SCAMMERS
Thanks for the interest!
About Us .
We are a company that conducts surveys and evaluate other companies. We get hired to go to other people’s companies and act like customers in order to know how the staffs are handling their services in relation to their customers.
Once we have a contract to do so, you would be directed to the company or outlet and you would be given the funds you need to do the job (either purchase products or required services), after which you would write a comment on the staffs activities and give a detailed record of your experience
Examples of details you would forward to us are:
1. How long it took you to get the services requested.
2. Smartness of the attendant
3. Customer service professionalism
4. Sometimes you might be required to upset the attendant, to see how they
react to clients why they get tensed .
We turn these information over to the company executives and they would carry out their own duties in improving their services.
Most companies employ our assistance when people give complains about their services or when they feel there are needs for them to improve their customer service. your Identity would be kept confidential as the job states (secret/mystery shopper) you would be paid $200 for every duty you carry out, and bonus on your transportation allowance, and funds would be given to you if you have to dine as part of the duty, Your job will be to evaluate and comment on customer service in a wide variety of shops, stores, restaurant and services in your area.
No commitment is made on this job, and you would have flexible hours as it
suits you.
Our Email:. evaluationteam102@rogers.com
If think you have what it takes to join a fast-pace, professional environment, then please apply immediately as soon as possible via e-mail as this position will be filled quickly but before you fill the list below make sure you read the INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT attached to this mail.
FULL NAME:
CONTACT ADDRESS (no P.O.Box please):
CITY:
STATE:
ZIP CODE:
CELL PHONE:
HOME PHONE:
GENDER:
PRESENT JOB STATUS/POSITION:
EMAIL:
As soon as you respond, we can look at your distance from the locations which you have to put your service into, and your address would also be need for your
payments.
Thanks For Your Total Understanding and Moral Cooperation and we hope to read from you soon .
Warmest Regards,
Walter Thomas.
-Hiring Manager
MYSTERY SHOPPER INC
just recieved a similar check as what you guys are talking about and its valid, i applied for a company last month and you deposit the funds and do what it ask, like western-union, the money that you pay them is not really going to be sent, you have to call the agency back after you complete the task and they will inform western-union and other tellers, and will say it was a mystery shop and they get the money back. its not a scam
i received a check for $2,950 it says its from OMNI PRO ELECTRONICS. the letter says they are from a division of mysteryshoponline.com.as soon as i read the letter i thought it was a scam.the name signed at the bottom seemed to weird for me lol. Don Smooth?? i mean come on!! i have never done this type of job even though i am interested how can i get started on a job like this?
I just received an email from this person Ben Richmond, he is sending me a check……..i will not cash it cause i see that its a scam, i mean who would let me cash a check for $1900, i would be dumb to cash it. This is what he sent me:
Hello Amanda ,
The money order payment in the amount of $1900 has been issued out to you and will be delivered via UPS. here is the UPS tracking number to confirm the status 1ZAV18970191770820. As soon as you receive the money order from them, you are required to proceed to your bank to have it cashed . Afterward withdraw out the amount needed to be transferred via western union , after deducting your $200 as your own commission for the duty being rendered .
Below this message , i have stated the name and address of the western union outlet where the funds should be transferred from . Note : You are anonymous on this mission , for accurate report on the service rendered by the western union attendant. These are some of the information we shall need from you , so take note :
1) How long it took you to get services.
2) Smartness of the attendant
3) Customer service professionalism
4) Sometimes you might be required to upset the attendant, to see how they react to clients why they get tensed.
NAME AND ADDRESS TO SEND MONEY TO :
Receiver first name: KARL
Receiver last name: SIMONS
Address: 16 Old Oxford Road
City: London
Country: United Kingdom
WESTERN UNION LOCATION TO TRANSFER FUNDS FROM :
FOODARAMA #04 ELLA
1805 ELLA BLVD
Houston, TX 77008
Send Money to be available in Minutes .
Once you get the transfer done you are to send me the details of the transfer (MTCN And Amount of money sent) as well as the evaluation report on the assessment.
Regards,
Ben Richmond.
TERSYLBRAN is a legitimate company whose name has been hijacked by third parties to commit fraud. We are not in the mystery shopper business.
If anyone using our name asks you send them money, DON’T DO IT, and DON’T ATTEMPT TO CASH ANY CHECK YOU RECEIVE BECAUSE IT’S BOGUS. You should report that entity to the local authorities. Obviously, this is an old issue, but we have just recently become aware of the extent of the fraudulent activity associated with our company.
I EVEN ASKED MY BANK THAT I THOUGHT THE CHECK MAY NOT BE REAL….THEN THE PROCESSING DEPARTMENT WILL FOCUS ON YOU LIKE YOUR A CRIMINAL. THE BANKS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO REPORT AND IT TIES YOUR ACCOUNT UP AND IT A PAIN IN THE ASS. DON’T TAKE A BOGUS CHECK AND DEPOSIT IN YOUR ACCOUNT. NIGHTMARE TRUST ME. I EVEN TOLD THE TELLER BEFORE I DEPOSITED IT ( SHE OBVIOUSLY KNEW NOTHING)
I just received this email. This is the third time I have received such junk mail. The first two of course were letters and checks to my home. Please, people don’t fall for this scam. I did report the first two to the FTC and I even reported it to my local TV station, but no response. I know they have a lot of complaints to sort through, but we need to continue to bombard them with complaints about these criminals. I will, again, send a complaint to the federal authorities. I had a friend who actually deposited a check similar to his (her’s was for contests), but the bank actually accused her of contributing to Alchida (I know that isn’t spelled correctly). Who knows what these criminals are doing with the money they get from unsuspecting people.
Date: Monday, October 26, 2009 9:39 AM
From: Shawn Brown Add to Addresses Block Sender
To:
Subject: MYSTERY SHOPPER ASSIGNMENT
Size: 4 KB
Dear Sir/Madam,
“We have a mystery shopping assignment in your area and we would like you to
participate”
Secret Shopper® is accepting applications for qualified individuals to become
mystery shoppers. It’s fun and rewarding, and you choose when and where you want
to shop. You are never obligated to accept an assignment. There is no charge to
become a shopper and you do not need previous experience. After you sign up, you
will have access to training materials via e-mail, fax or postal mail.
ABOUT US
Secret Shopper® is the premier mystery shopping company, serving clients across
America and Canada with over 500,000 shoppers available and ready to help
businesses better serve their customers. Continual investment in the latest
internet and communication technologies coupled with over 16 years of know-how
means working with Secret Shopper® is a satisfying and rewarding experience.
Secret shopping as seen on ABC NEWS, NBC NEWS, L.A.TIMES.
Stores and organizations such as The Gap, Walmart, Pizza Hut, and Banks. One
amongst many others pay for Secret Shoppers to shop in their establishments and
report their experiences. On top of being paid for shopping you are also allowed
to keep purchases for free. Secret Shopper® NEVER charge fees to the shopper.
Training, tips for improvement, and shopping opportunities are provided free to
registered shoppers. Mystery shoppers are either paid a
pre-arranged fee for a particular shop, a reimbursement for a purchase or a
combination of both.Secret Shopper® has available for immediate assignment an
inspection of the customer service of any walmart in your area. You are to shop
secretly and invest just a token. This fee will be paid upfront. During this
shop you will visit the location and make several observations as regards the
customer service.
You will be required to interact with the shop clerk.
You may conduct the shop alone or as a couple.
The assignment will pay 10% per duty
Kindly Fill Out the application form below and we will get back to you shortly
with the assignment:
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
First Name…………………………………….
Middle Name………………………….
Last Name……………………………
Street Address ……………………………………..
City, State, Zip Code ………………………………….
Cell Phone Number ………………………..
Home Phone Number ………………………..
Age……………
Current Occupation……………………………………
Alternate Email Address …………………………..
Reply to:(shawnbrwnshoper77@yahoo.com} or {shpershawnbrn77@yahoo.com}
We await your urgent response.
Thank you for your help.
We look forward to working with you
I received a cashiers check yesterday for $1,996.12 issued from PNC Bank, Maryland. The letter sent along with it is from High Tower Research & Marketing Corp. 600 5th Ave New York, NY 50024. Regional Office 90 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W. Suite 1504 Mississauga ON L5B 3C3. Fax 1-303-479-9163. Phone 1-289-887-4361. The letter congratulates me on becoming a secret shopper and tells me to complete the probation assignment within 48 hours. I have to go to the Gap and Walmart, spend $50 at each location on any item of my choice. Then I wire $1,480.00 thru Western union and pay the service charge of $116.12. I keep the balance of the check $300 for my fee. The letter states that I am to call 1-289-887-4361 and speak to Johnson Smith before cashing the check. The letter is from Kim Shapiro. I called and can barely understand Johnson Smith. He says they received my name through an internet listing. He didn’t say anything when I mentioned that I thought it was a scam. I’m glad that I did research and found this website before cashing the check.
It pains me that there are still people out there that would get far a long into this type of scam. Here are the emails my sister sent me. She apparently did put the check in the bank before realizing it was a scam. Then Mr. Antonion threatens her. Good stuff, huh?
________________________________
From: Harris Stratyner [harris.strat555@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 5:54 PM
To:
Subject: RE: REPLY ASAP
wht do u mean by false check if u dont get back to me with my money i will get rid of u and remmber that i have all ue info with me so get back to me and send the money to the agent i told u today
— On Thu, 10/29/09,
wrote:
From:
Subject: RE: REPLY ASAP
To: “Harris Stratyner”
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2009, 10:35 PM
the check you sent me was false. it had no money. i
________________________________
From: Harris Stratyner [harris.strat555@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thu rsday, October 29, 2009 3:55 PM
To:
Subject: REPLY ASAP
wht do u mean get back to me wht happen to the check cos i need my money to be send to our agent today
— On Thu, 10/29/09,
From:
Subject: RE: PAYMENT DELIVER AND TRACKING NUMBER VIA FEDEX #…8709 2689 6847
To: “Harris Stratyner” <harris.strat555@yahoo..com>
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2009, 6:47 PM
the check you sent me was fraud
________________________________
From: Harris Stratyner [harris.strat555@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 11:45 AM
To:
Subject: RE: PAYMENT DELIVER AND TRACKING NUMBER VIA FEDEX #…8709 2689 6847
we shall give u a call but make the payment out as soon u send the remaining fund to out agent in Georgia email me the confirmation receipt so i can get it for them as soon as possible
looking forward to hear from u soonest
— On Tue, 10/27/09,
> wrote:
From
>
Subject: RE: PAYMENT DELIVER AND TRACKING NUMBER VIA FEDEX #…8709 2689 6847
To: “Harris Stratyner” <harris.strat555@yahoo.com>
Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 1:31 PM
Mr. Statyner
I would like some phone numbers please for refrences before I do anything. I will be calling them first.
________________________________
From: Harris Stratyner [harris.strat555@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 2:50 AM
To:
Subject: PAYMENT DELIVER AND TRACKING NUMBER VIA FEDEX #…8709 2689 6847
Hello
How are u today and hope all is well with u sorry for the late in respond im kind of busy here and need some paper works done,and i can see it in u that u will be a good (PERSONAL ASSISTANT)to me and i will be paying u for this week payment.as soon u get the package of payment deliver to u today via fedex. Here’s the tracking #…8709 2689 6847of the check take it to the bank to cashed and deduct the amount of $500 and send the balance to our branch office in GEORGIA cos they need to funds to got some materials for the orphanage homes over there cos they call and made it clear to them that they will get the remaining funds today.
Here is the information to send the remaining funds via Western Union to:
Name:Antonio Fermaint
Address..7105 Hania Dr..
Fairburn, GEORGIA. 30213
After funds have been transferred via Western Union Transfer email me the wiring info’s below.
1.10 DIGIT MTCN#(MONEY TRANSFER CONTROL NUMBER)
2.SENDERS FIRST AND LAST NAME AND ADDRESS
3.TOTAL AMOUNT SENT
I await your response
Thanks
I am extremely grateful for reading this. I have just experienced THE SAME situation “Big Brother” just wrote about above me. Luckily I picked up on some red flags and “googled” the “travel agents” name I was to money grahm the money to. Thank you all for posting, you saved me one hell of a headache. I’m sorry to those who have been dealing with this. I contacted the FBI who told me to contact the Federal Trade Commission at 977-438-4338
I received one of these checks today too, mine was from:
R.A.B. Mystery Shoppers, Inc
P.O. Box 2001
Secaucus, NJ 07094
The check was for $3490.00 and I was assigned to shop at WalMart and send a moneygram. Such jackasses, like I wouldn’t google them! I feel sorry for the people who have been taken buy these bottomfeeders! I was thinking of taking this scam paperwork to my District Attorney’s Office just so they would be aware this was going on in this area.
Carol
I just got one of those checks today and I definately know better so I will be contacting the proper authorities. What can we do to stop these people?
Braewood Commercial LP sent me a check. Received it on 11/29/09. ooh what a temptation to just cash it, but not quite that stupid. Talked to my husband about it and just typed in the name on the check and came right to this site. My check was for $3480.00. I was supposed to deposit it and wait for it to clear and then Western Union part of it to a woman in England. Get paid $400 and take $85 to shop w/at Walmart, Sears, Kmart, etc. So glad there are other people in the world that this kind of thing makes them as angry as it does me. Will be reporting this ASAP.
I just got a similar check and will be shredding it. I am curious, how does this scam work? Is it a money laundering operation, or do they steel your identity. It doesn’t seem likely that they can withdraw money from my account just because a check is deposited. Anyone know how this works?
Hello Tracy,
I want to inform you that you will be receiving the payment for the mystery shopper first assignment today 12/02/09.The payment will be coming by UPS COURIER.This is the tracking number for the package 1Z5979390196445823.
.The package contain a check.As soon as you receive it,i want you to cash it,after cashing it,You will be evaluating one Wal-mart store in your city and one WESTERN UNION outlet. The Payment covers all expenses including evaluation,shopping, transportation and your compensation (Salary=$200.00) for this Evaluation.
You are to purchase goods of your choice for your own use at any Wal-mart store in your city which you are evaluating , spending not more than $50.00 altogether.
you will be sending the rest funds through western union outlet in your city for the evaluation of the WESTERN UNION outlet.Please send the funds to our delegate whose information is given below
Name: Heather Fisher
City: Grand blanc
State: Michigan
Zipcode: 48439
After your evaluation, ensure that you send to us (via Email) the amount sent, the MONEY TRANSFER CONTROL NUMBER(MTCN NUMNBER),your full name which you used in sending the funds.
EXPENDITURES BREAKDOWN:-
Salary ………………………………..$200.00
Wal-mart(shopping at walmart)…………….$50.00
Transportation………………………….$50
You will be sending the rest fund via western union to the information give to you above.
Please remember what we need from you is a detailed evaluation report,stated below are guidelines to follow when performing your evaluation task.
GUIDELINES:-
How long it took you to get services.
-Ambiance/Outlook of the Shop/Outlet
-Smartness of the attendant
-Customer service professionalism
-Reaction of personally under pressure
-Information that you think would be helpful
-Your comments and impressions.
-Your personal opinion
-The name and address of the walmart store and western union which you visited.
PS…I hope you can locate a WESTERN UNION store around you?
Let me know if you understand clearly what you are meant to do as stated in this email.
We are counting on you and expecting a detailed report.
Thank you.
—
Smith
(Logistics and Feedback)
To: TD
I recieved a scam from the SAME scammer that you posted about back in August……………….
Hello and thanks for responding to the advert on craigslist. My name is Martin Fowler and I am based in the south London Area of the United Kingdom(England),I am a business man and will be coming to the US (Philadelphia PA) for a business trip and as well a conference,and my stay will last 5 days, I need a personal driver who will chauffeur me to and fro my destination during this 5 days. I will provide the vehicle and Gas which will be used for this purpose. My conditions are as follows:
1: Punctuality: you must be punctual as you are to resume by 10am and close by 5pm
2: You are expected to Double as my personal assistant during this period so you are expected to run little errands
3: Applicants must possess a vaild drivers licence
4: Applicants must be good and careful drivers
5: You Must have a clean record
6: Salary is $140 daily which is a total of ($700) for the 5 days
7: My Arrival date is on Monday the (14th of December) and i will be leaving back for the UK on Friday(the 18th of December),so all applicants must be willing to work these days
8 Applicants must be willing to subject themselves to a background check and as such should get back to me with their FULL NAMES,RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS,AND PHONE NUMBERS(pls this is only to certify the authenticity of each applicant and will not be used for any other motive)
Pls note that this email does not automatically mean you have secured the job, Chosen applicants will be contacted asap.. for more enquiry you can call +447 035 955 182
Thanks
Martin
Hi! I thought to be the only one in receive these type of check scams but for what it worth. I would like to add to the stories by saying that recently I received a check for $3950 drawing by CompleteXco located in GA using a Bank of America check. Lucky me I am familiar with the bank checks because they are my bank after all. The person sending the check I have previously flag because they try sending me bogus Pay pal receipts that payment was receive which I later verify that my invoices were still pending. I then follow up by asking them to send cashier check or money order before sending them any product. (Just so you they contacted me because I post an ad on Craig list offering to sell a SonyVio, laptop for $736. and question it because the asking price was triple or quadruple in regards to sale price, yet; it seen to me odds that given the financial economy anyone want to give much more money away.)Yes, I am struggling but further more was not to get in debt looking for money so I begin reporting them to the FBI, Craig list, Google , PayPal. I found out it was not worth my time to follow his game. Mainly because I wanted to put him or them behind bars for wasting my time and possible avoiding scams to other potential victims. I kept in contact with the person that gave me the check by mail and trying to stall him until the investigation was complete but think I really blew it as I got tired and crunch to find real money; yet he had the nerve to call me to ask what were happening with the check so I inform him that it was fake and please stop calling or sending emails. It’s probably the closes call to stop this crime but I will look out for them again and I believe this time will do a better job; specially if I practice my conclusion line of “I should stop chasing money and let money follow.”
Hopefully I could be of help with this story.
I received a letter (scam) in the mail too from incline marketing group. this time they said they were out of london. all i can say is SHRED IT, SHRED IT, SHRED IT.
I recently received a check in the amount of $3900.00 from a Martin Fowler in response to a help wanted ad as a driver.
The check was from Mountain America FCU, which I did call and verify it was a bogus check.
The FED Ex package was sent from a Gary Bardes (sic) from 620 Eighth Ave, New York, NY 10018.
The person I was to send the funds to was an Antonio Fermaint at an address in Georigia. After more research there are numerous addresses for Mr. ermaint in Georgia. I was actually able to get a phone number for Mr. Fermaint and left a few messages, but no return calls.
Mr. Fowler, The original person who contacted me with this information and how to proceed has sent additiopnal threatening emails demanding I send the funds “without fail” or else.
I have not provided any personally identifying info on my self such as SS#’s or credit information, so no fears there, but he does have my address and phone number. I hope he shows up or calls so I can kick his ass and call the cops to come pick him up beaten and bruised…lol…just kidding…but I will detain him until they arrive.
I have filed a report with ICC.gov for follow up, saved all correspondence and still have the check. Lets see if they call or show up and investigate. I will update you later….Any other suggestions are welcome!!
Lets add another potential victim to this too good to be true scam. I responded to a similar advertisement on craigslist.com for a driver in the Washington DC area. My suspicions were raised when this Martin Fowler wanted me to deposit a checks for $3900 into my account then immediately send him $3400 knowing full well it takes days for checks to clear.
Given that this character has clearly sent so many such emails, you’d think he’d have learned to use his spell check by now.
I was almost duped by MARTIN FOWLER & MAC TEN!!!!!!!!!
I answered a Person Assistant ad on Craigslist for the Los Angeles Area. I was asked to submit information for a background check which I thought was legit. After submitting name, address all the usual stuff that’s on a resume, I received an email stating “congratulations, you got the job, dress neatly and be prompt”. We were to meet and work together for 2 days while he was on business with Exxon Mobil. I asked him for instructions to which he replied
“as regards your job as my Personal Assistant, this is to notify you that I will still be arriving the US on Monday the 22nd of Februaray,the parent company who is responsible for my flight expense has made a check out to you for your salary but there was a little error as they mistakenly included the travel agent’s pay in the check that was made out to you..it’s a cashiers check for $3,900 and you will recieve it today via FEDEX, so once you recieve it you take it to your bank for cashing and then deduct your salary of $400 and send the balance $3,500 through MoneyGram to the travel agent who is going to handle my flight booking and Ticket purchase(EVERY WALMART STORE HAS A MONEYGRAM SERVICE IN IT),I know there will be a charge of about $100 for sending the money so the travel agent should receive about $3,400 and don’t forget to get back to me with the refrence number as soon as you send it ..here is the travel agent’s info:
NAME: ANTONIO FERMAINT
ADDRESS: 610 W Lanier Ave
CITY:Fayetteville
STATE: GA
ZIPCODE:30214
I will update you on my flight itenary as soon as the travel agent receives the money and does the booking ok..and I hope you are punctual and neatly dressed..thanks
Martin Fowler
+447 035 955 182”
I just want to say thank you. Today I received this e-mail…I knew it looked like a scam. I will copy and paste the text and e-mail so that all the world can see (some scammer evidence):
Job Opportunity?
From: Lyn Anderson (lynart08@aol.com)
Medium riskYou may not know this sender.Mark as safe|Mark as junk
Sent: Fri 3/12/10 5:30 AM
To: clients@shopper.com
Good day,
I am your group regional Instructor for Ocean View consult in USA. Henceforth. We are looking for a secret shopper around your city and your wage is $200 per assignment.email me back with the Information below then i can send you the procedures on what you will be doing:Full Name,Address in full (No Po Box) Occupation,Age, Cell Number.
Thanks.
Lyn
WUFLDHOBTXSTGWCSNMHETQDDYHGGJEZOT
People: If you are going to do this type of work, remember there are a few real companies out there, you must assume everything is a scam untell proven otherwise. Do Not Call the numbers on the check or the letter from your phone, or get one only for this purpose. Take it to your bank tell the manager what you are doing and ask them to check it out. If you get a positive response great, wait a couple of days and check again. We both know the odds are that it is phoney. You can check the service just as easy for a fifty as with several thousand, perhaps even better with a smaller amount, after all service should be the same no matter what the profit margin is.
When you have proven it is a phoney contact those authorities that should be informed and let them take it from there. They won’t always take it, there are too many scams going on. Right now I have a nice collection of bogus checks, that the authorities didn’t want to mess with. Also for some reason I don’t seem to be getting anymore offers to cash checks, LOL Maybe they don’t like what they get back?
I know times are tuff and everyone wants some extra “EASY” money but this isn’t it, not for you at any rate, so don’t cash that check! WAIT and verify, You can not afford to throw those thousands away, and if you cash that check that is exactly what you risk doing.
Wow. Im glad I looked this up. The thing that alarmed me was that it was not solicited. I never signed up for mysteryshopping.EVER. and then the letter had alot of typos. 🙁
Just got a check for 3920.00 – told it was to be a mystery shopper. Spend 90 at Walmart (or a similar store), keep 390 as pay as a probationary employee, send a western union for 3200 to a GA person and included the service fee for the wire. Things are tight and this seemed too good to be true and extra 390 a week would save us a lot of grief. Chicago Title of Colorado, Inc is the company – a finance company, phone number in Canada and JP Morgan Chase Bank in Chicago IL. both the company and bank are found on the Internet and even the 2 people listed to send the wires too are listed in the white pages. WOW, this makes me so nervous…a scam this good.
Our thought was to go to Amscot to cash the check and do the tasks…once again, scary.
Hi I am currently dealing with a scam please contact me immedately ASAP. Has anyone dealt with a scam artist named TalktoTerryJames?
The person im dealing with is communicating through email. and the check he provided is actually misspelled words too. He sent me $3000.00 I haven’t cashed it but I wanted to know what I should do. He keeps calling me BLOCKED so I don’t answer at all. I asked him over the email, What he does? and What company he works for? and now Im waiting for a reply. Jacob what do I do?
I have been receiving a couple of emails so far about being a mystery shopper saying they had some jobs for my area. I had signed up to be a mystery a long time ago, maybe around a year ago which made me believe this was true. I returned an email saying I was interested. So the next email they sent asked my info like name, address, phone number, and hey said they will send me further instructions on what to do via email. After emailing my info to them I received an email with instructions to mystery shop at a local western union outlet (no bank account numbers or the like were sent) and that they will be sending me the funds to do my assignment and it even gave me a USPS Tracking number of the payment check in transit. They said it was a total of $1,740. I was to keep $200 for me as payment for job and use $140 of it to pay for western union fees and they said I could only use the money in minutes option at western union and send the remainder to another shopper in Spain. The name for the mystery shopper company’s representative is David Hamilton. This “fake check” is in the mail as I type on its way to me. I think I am going to call my local police department along with FBI and forward them the emails also, it even has a phone number at the bottom of the email to call if I have any questions. Hopefully law enforcement can trace the origins of the number or such.
I am forwarding an email I received from a mystery shopper.
This makes no sense. I hope people do not fall for this.
Although, I am affraid people in these desperate times will.
These people need to be stopped.
Karen
Hello Karen,
The check will be delivered today to your address as given, please cash immediately at your bank and watch very well the reaction of the bankers towards you.
After cashing ensure you deposit also 10% of the amount received in your account before leaving the banking hall.
A staff will call later in the day, kindly revert with a mail confirming receipt and amount.
Regards,
Cole Walter
NB… Here is the FedEx tracking number 793414671459
On Mon, Mar 22, 2010 at 4:53 PM, cole walter wrote:
Hello Karen,
Sorry that I haven’t gotten in touch with you, we are trying to rearrange our structure, we want to be very flexible so that the man hours spent with us will not actually affect your current job. I will update you within 48hrs to your first assignment.
KIndly acknowledge this mail.
Regards,
Cole Walters
Thanks for taking this opportunity to talk about “Scam Warning at Mystery Shopping Tips”, I benefit from learning about this subject. If possible, as you gain data, please update this blog with new information. Thanks, Hier
I just received a check for $3,895.00 drawn on JPMorgan Chase Bank in Syracuse, NY with the name BED BATH & BEYOND payable to me. The letter is from Business Survey Inc P.O. Box 6501 Union, NJ 07083 Tel:1-514-568-5529. The envelope has something printed in French, then the words “From anywhere to anyone” and some number code. The stamp is Canadian. I called the number for the company, got a live person who instructed me to do the two assignments (1) Spend $190 at my choice of WalMart, KMart, HomeDepot, Sears, JC Penny or Best Buy; and (2) Send a MoneyGram to one of two names listed on the form on back of the letter. That leaves $550 for me for “training”; and to contact George Lee at the same number listed above when the assignments are complete and faxed in to 1-866-586-9760. I looked up the company online and found nothing. I called Chase bank in Syracuse and the woman I spoke with says it sounds like one of the scams going around. I plan to send the letter and check to the Attorney General’s office either in Texas where I live, or in New Jersey. Glad I did my homework before depositing funds that I could desperately use right now.
Good Luck and thanks for posting this blog!
Ruth
Hello from Germany! May i quote a post a translated part of your blog with a link to you? I’ve tried to contact you for the topic Scam Warning at Mystery Shopping Tips, but i got no answer, please reply when you have a moment, thanks, Gedichte
Update: As I posted above, the check I received was “from” Bed Bath and Beyond. I contacted the Loss Prevention division at their corporate office and they were extremely happy to hear from me. They asked me to fax copies of everything I got, including the envelope, to them. They said they had shut this scam down a couple of years ago and even made some arrests, but “apparently the people are out of jail and back at it”. I think this was the best route rather than contacting local police, who probably would shuffle the info into a file and forget about it. If you get a check, see what business name is on it and contact their corporate offices. Takes only a few minutes and well worth the effort if it helps put an end to this.
Ruth
Texas
This page should be labeled totally Stupid people! Who in their right mind would cash a check like this and send out money from it. I ran across this site trying to find a link to a real mystery shopping company I work for and get paid for every month. But NEVER AND i MEAN NEVER CASH A CHECK FOR SOMEONE AS A MYSTERY SHOPPER! Get real people. Get some brains in your head.
I keep getting this e-mail- anyone else know anything about these people?>
Please interested mystery shopper provide Full Physical Street Address for immediate evaluation not PO Box Addresses.And Contact Phone Numbers Home and Cell Numbers.
We got your Email Address From Business Opportunity Seekers Database.
Thanks
Regards,
Eric Jones.
Concepts Consulting Inc.
U.S OFFICE: 230 W 26th St,
New York, NY 10001
I recieved this email today, and based on what I’ve read, this is clearly a scam. here is the scumbag’s info. I hope this helps anyone that may be a potential future victim. Thank you. 🙂
“As regards your job as my Personal Assistant. This is to
notify you that I will be arriving the US by Thursday the 24th of June as scheduled.The parent company that is responsible for my flight expense has made out the check to you and you shall receieve it today via Fedex with tracking number 8726 4776 4223 .It’s a cashiers check for $3,945 .Once you receive it you take it to your bank for cashing and then deduct your first week salary of $700 and send the balance $3,245 through Western Union to the travel agent who will be handling my flight booking and Ticket purchase. I know there will be a Western union charge of about $200 for sending the funds, so The travel agent should receive about $3,000 after they deduct their charges.Ensure you get back to me with the control numbers as soon as you send the funds ok ..here is the travel agent’s info:
NAME: ANTONIO FERMAINT
ADDRESS: 500 W Lanier Ave
CITY:Fayetteville
STATE: GA
ZIPCODE:30214
I will send you my flight itenary, as soon as the travel agent receives the money and does the booking ok..and I hope you are punctual and neatly dressed..thanks
Martin
+44 703 595 5182
got a check for $1950 from bank of america dont use that bank but did have the credit card want to cash it at a check cashing facility should i?contacted the # on the envelope which came fed ex and called me back stating he has been getting numerous calls and that the address of the woman on their has been a victim of id fraud so i goggled the company on the check and called them which has to do with bio courses in maryland waiting for a call back also checking with the bank
I have just received an email from a Mark Hector offerring me an opportunity to become a secret shopper. He asked me to send an email if interested providing him with my name street address, city, state, zip code, country, phone number, age, and current employment status. I was rather intrigued by possibility, and I was getting ready to send him an email with said information. When logic struck me and I decide to research his name and and this offer to find out it is a scam. You said you would like to know this so here you are.
He said his name was Mark Hector he used the email hunta972@embarqmail.com The email address is what really made me question the validity of his offer seeing as it would probably be coming from a company email rather some random email
total scam. Received letter and Citibank Official check stating issued by Citibank Investment Services NY for $3,850 with instructions to visit a Western Union as a mystery shopper. Promised “salary” for a discreet transaction was $200. Letter asked me to call their toll-free number for detailed instructions. I did not call. Letter had no return address on envelope. Letter portrayed official logos of Walmart, Western Union, KMart, McDonald’s, GAP, Pepsi, and FedEx. Check was ck# 332522065; printed ABA routing# was 031100209 and printed acct# on check was 38762924, name of Remitter – William Maurier. Complete crap
Just got one of these, mailed from Canada, Citibank check.
Anyone sending me a check for $4000+ that I didnt ask for and then asking me to western union back most of it is up to no good.
I was going to call some authority but it seems that they know about this and I’d just be wasting mine and others time.
Shredder.
I guess I’m being scammed also. I received an email from a gentelman named Smith Walter stating that he worked for Secret Shopper (which is a legitimate company that I am registered with) and that he has a job for me to check out a restaurant and a western union. Thinking it was legit I sent my info and I received two U.S. Postal money orders in the amount of $975 each. I was to cash them through my bank keep $200 for each job and send the rest via western union to some gentleman in Dubai (BIG RED FLAG). I received the money orders yesterday because I am a bit skeptical about taking the money orders to my back and afraid to take them to the Post Office. I most likely will call them just to verify whether or not these money orders are legitimate, which I highly doubt. The thing that go me was that the company that I am registered with never offer more than $20 for a job, so when I received this email, I thought wow, this is great considering the holidays are right around the corner. After reading all of these stories, I have to conclude that this is a scam.
1/7/2022
gaylagoracing2@aol.com
This email address sent me an email today, offering me a position. Something sounded fishy to me.
So I looked it up on Google, and lo and behold, I found Informa Research Services Scam, with all of your guys email’s about this company. thanks for doing the research for me.
Hello Rogelio ,as regards your job as my House Keeper/Personal Assistant. This is to notify you that I will be arriving the US by Friday the 18th of February as scheduled.The parent company that is responsible for my flight expense has made out the check to you and you shall receieve it today via Fedex.It’s a check for $1725 .Once you receive it you take it to your bank for cashing and send the funds through Western Union to the travel agent who will be handling my flight booking and Ticket purchase. I know there will be a Western union charge of about of about $100 for sending the funds, so The travel agent should receive about $1625 after they deduct their charges.Ensure you get back to me with the control numbers as soon as you send the funds ok ..here is the travel agent’s info:
NAME: LEVAR .A. FREDERICK
ADDRESS: 500 W Lanier Ave
CITY:Fayetteville
STATE: GA
ZIPCODE:30214
I will send you my flight itenary, as soon as the travel agent receives the money and does the booking ok..and I hope you are punctual and neatly dressed..thanks
Robert Fowler
+44 703 595 5182
I just receved this email is it a scam I did reply to it in the past but now I think its a scam, any ideas
hop Fast ®
230 W 26th St,
New York, NY 10001
Tel: 518-250-3380
Dear Esteemed Mystery Shopper Matthew Stahl,
Top of the day to you.We are in receipt of your last mail and the content noted.Well today we have concluded arrangement and package to enable you complete and carry out your first Mystery Shopping assignment with us successful. We have prepared funding/payment via check in the amount of ( $3,009.00 ) for your first mystery shopping assignment,And the assignment package will be delivered to you soonest via regular mail. Please you are kindly advised to be on the look-out for the package that would be delivered to your provided residential home address between now and Wednesday next week.
Please be informed that once you receive the delivery/package (check payment) it is very important that you get it deposited into your existing bank account and get back to me by e-mail on when your bank says the funds will be available for usage, also get back for further details instructions on where and how to go about your first mystery shopping assignment ASAP. And I will send you another e-mail with details instructions on how and which shop to go and where to complete your first assignment once you have received your first assignment funding available in your hands. Cause you will be expected to visit various shops and stores within your environment to carry out an assignment with the funds. Should you need to contact me at any time please feel free e-mail me for quickly, preferably you can e-mail me for faster response to your questions or concerns.
I hope this e-mail finds you in good health.Well it’s important you e-mail me back for further instructions after you have received the package as stated above,I have called your phone line several time but no answer from your end.You reach us at 518-250-3380 and drop a message if no answer we shall get back to you shortly. Hope you understand this messages clearly?Reply me back immediately you receive and read this message.
Thanks and Kind Regards,
Dan Parker Reed.
i have got one form mystery shopper here it is, he keeps emailing me
Hello,
Your first assignment will be issued and sent to you today to be delivered to you tomorrow ( WEDNESDAY ) via FEDEX.
Your First Assignment as a Mystery Shopper will be carried out at any Nearest Western Union Outlet and Walmart Outlet
The Package you will receive will be payment in form of ( Money Orders ) which carries Your First Assignment Commission, and the Fund to carry out the Assignment, Note that Your Commission on this first assignment will be $200 {you earn and we give increasing on each assignment you carry out successfully},
When you receive the package with the money orders,you are to proceed to your bank and have them cashed or deposited in your account,then Evaluate Western Union & Wal-Mart Store.
kindly resend your full details to confirm it correspond with the address we have your package to be mailed out to you.
Full Name:
Full Address: ( PO BOX NOT ACCEPTED )
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Phone Numbers (Home:______ Cell:________)
Meanwhile,further instruction and tracking number will be sent to you as soon as the package is sent.Thanks for your co-operation so far and bye for now.
Regards
Mark Morris
Mystery Shoppers®/Evaluator Consultant.
A response to this message signify that you are ready to start immediately.
Hello , You have been Accepted as our Mystery shopper/Survey Agent. You will be evaluating a Wal-Mart Store and a Western union outlet in your neighborhood. You will need to locate the Nearest Wal-mart and Western union store as soon as you get this email today. Email us the STORE NAME AND STORE ADDRESS in your next email. That is where you will be doing your 1st Secret shopping and Evaluation. Please remember that you are to act Cool, Calm and Confident through out the period in which you will be carrying out the survey, in order not to arouse any suspicion. We will furnish you with transfer details which you will send Funds to via western union . Also you will be shopping at Wal-mart stores close by, after which you will write a report and send back to us via Email using the following pointers: 1) How long it took you to get services.2) Ambiance/Outlook of the Shop/Outlet3) Smartness of the attendant4) Customer service professionalism5) Reaction of personnel under pressure6) Information that you think would be helpful7) Your comments and impressions. Payments will be mailed out to you as soon as you reply back to this email,which you will cash and expend in carrying out all that will be required of you including your compensation. All Other Instructions will be sent out to you via email as soon as Evaluation will commences. Make sure you check your email everyday and you will be updated on when to start your mystery Shopping. Please reply to this email, acknowledging it as soon as possible with the address of closest Wal-mart store and western union outlet in your location. Your prompt response to any email sent to you shows the ability of a good mystery shopper. Please reply back to every email sent to you then we can register you as next mystery shopper. Thank you. RegardsMark MorrisMystery Shoppers®/Evaluator Consultant
HERE IS ANOTHER ONE WOW THESES PEOPLE ARE SO STUPID
Very nice thanks a sharing.