With today's sluggish economy, you may be looking for a way to make an extra buck.
As Good Morning America reported this morning, one way to do that is to become a mystery shopper.
Retailers hire marketing research companies to evaluate the quality of services in their stores.
Mystery shoppers are hired to go check out the stores anonymously. Those shopper are then given a small reimbursement.
But beware, not all mystery shopper jobs are legit.
WWAY anchor Marcy Cuevas got a letter in the mail, asking her to become a mystery shopper. Along with it, came an authentic looking check for almost $4,000. Cape Fear Bank manager Jeff Britt confirmed our suspicions that the offer is a scam.
Britt said, "The letter is asking you to deposit a counterfeit item into your account - you don't know it's counterfeit then it's asking you to wire funds typically overseas or to contact someone who's going to instruct you to wire funds."
Britt says mystery shopper scams are common, and its easy to fall for them.
Here's how this one would work. A mystery shopper is to check on whether money wiring services like Western Union or Money Gram check for identification. The shopper is asked to deposit this check into their bank account, then wire $3,400 of it to a given location.
"You've now deposited a counterfeit item into your account, you hand over cash to a criminal, the check is returned as fraudulent and now you're stuck with trying to get $3,980 back into your account," said Britt.
WWAY called the number on the letter, to find out if it was a scam.
Lynn Williams of Solution Market Research said, "I can totally reassure you that this is legit for sure."
WWAY then told the woman we were researching a story.
We were then told we would be transferred to a manager and were hung up on.
WWAY tried calling back several times with no success.
Jeff Britt says a legitimate market research company will never ask you for a fee up front, and will only pay mystery shoppers $10 to $25.
"It will never be in large amounts and they will never ask you to wire funds," said Britt.
No matter how convincing the scam may be, if you get a check in the mail and it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Just to be sure, Jeff Britt called the bank the alleged check was drafted from, and confirmed it was fake.
Just today, North Carolina attorney general Roy Cooper released news of an agreement with MoneyGram, to help crack down on these types of scams.
More information on the agreement with MoneyGram
Telemarketing fraud rings will have a harder time taking consumers’ money thanks to changes that wire service MoneyGram will make, Attorney General Roy Cooper announced today. “Telemarketing scammers are experts at tricking people into wiring them money,” said Cooper. “This agreement will help stop scammers from using wire transfers to rip off consumers.”
Under the agreement with North Carolina, 43 other states and the District of Columbia, MoneyGram Payment Systems, Inc. will take significant steps to cut down on the use of its services by fraudulent telemarketers.
MoneyGram will, among other things, put prominent warnings to consumers on the front of forms used to wire money and fund a $1.1 million national consumer awareness program.
Cooper’s office also host scam jams across the state to educate consumers about the latest frauds and scams. For more information, visit www.ncdoj.gov.
Use your brain!
When have you ever been paid for work that you have not yet performed? Come on people...if you get a check for work that you haven't performed then it is obviously FAKE! In addition, no bank...I repeat...no bank will cash a check not written from one of their accounts without making sure that you currently have enough money in your own account to honor the check. That's how they cover themselves!
Bottom Line: If you get a check in the mail for work that you have yet to complete, it's a SCAM! Stop your whining and start thinking! There is no such thing as free money except for the lottery...and even then you have to buy a ticket!
Can't really say I feel
Can't really say I feel sorry for any of you.
The whole thing boils down to greed on the scammers bahalf, and your own.
Think about it.
Scam - not good enough
I received a envelope from Canada yesterday. My name and address were handwritten and there was no return address. Inside was a letter saying that I had been selected as a "mystery shopper" and I was to call the phone number listed to get trained. Included with the letter was a check for $4992 and a sloppy customer feedback form. Here are some pointers on what tipped us off on this being a scam. First, the handwritten envelope from Canada. A tell-tale sign that the letter is not from a legit company. Two, the company listed on the letter was located in South Jordan, UT. Why would a company in Utah travel all the way to Canada to mail a letter? The customer feedback form did not look official, but looked like a bad cut and paste job into a word document. Finally, the cashier's check was from a small town in Illinois. Three different pieces of the same letter coming from three different locations. I immediately did a search on the company name that accompanied the letter. All the Google hits were about scams. I then did a search on the bank listed on the check. The bank is legit and even had a big warning on their homepage about a "mystery shopper" scam using their bank. The next step is to take the letter to the post office general to have them investigate the letter. To my knowledge, it is illegal in both the U.S. and Canada to use the postal system for fraudulent activities. Do yourself a favor. Next time you get a letter about employment with a nice check enclosed, stop. Do a little research. It took me a total of 3 minutes to determine that my letter was a scam. That 3 minutes saved me a ton of time, heartache, and money.
Mystery Shopping Scam
I received one of those checks from Canada for $4992.00. I couldn't figure out how did a cashier's check dated 9/10 from a bank in Mo. get to my mailbox by 9/11 and from Cananda. I called the phone number on the letter. First I was put on hold and listened to some music, then, the lady came on the line and tried to tell me to spend $90.00 and moneygram back her the rest. I told her if she just wanted me to spend $90.00 why didn't she send me a check for $90.00. The lady was pretty put out with me for asking too many questions. She told me to call the number on the check and verify with the bank if the check was good. How about I did and listened to the same music and talked to the same lady! I turned the check and entire contents to the local authorities. I traced the phone numbers to be in Canada and a cell phone. To those of you who make fun of people being stupid to fall for these scams, don't understand there are people who have dementia, who are elderly, and those who are desperate people in financial jams that would easily fall into this trap. So just because you and I maybe smart enough not to do it, you have to think of others and their situation. Just remember if it sounds to good to be true, then it is and don't do it. I hope they catch these people who are running this scam and burn them good!!
Secret Shopper Scam
My daughter just received a Secret Shopper Check with directions for "training" and the probationary tasks to be completed. I would be happy to share the letter and information if you are following up on the shopper scams.
It's sad that these letters and the temptation are being sent out when the economy is stressful for all families. My daughter is a student and this looked good to her!
when you call them, bach use
when you call them, bach use a differn name they will no t hang up happend to my mom 3 dyas ago they took all of our checks and now we have pay the bank 1300$
a victim of Secret shopper fraud
Hi, I would like to get my story told as a victim who is still haunted by this secret shopper scam. I am from the DC Metropolitan area and had moved to Charleston in Sept.07.
I had an account, with then Bank of American,who is now sueing me.
October 2005, I lost my job and had to stay with my mom, I was 54 y.o at that time with a daughter who mentally challenged.
Due to some health issues, I then had to apply for disability, as you know this is not alot of money. In March 2007, I recieved a cashie's check of, 4850.00 dollars from Atlantic Pacific Bank in Santa Rosa CA., yes I should have done better homework, but I thought I did. I phoned the the bank, Atlantic Pacific, calling off the checking acct. number and route number to the bank in Santa Rosa to confirm that the check was legal and they confirmed that it was.
After following the instructions given by secret shopper, to confirm again I phoned Bank of America after 10days asking if the check had cleared I was informed that it did. In the mean time, I waited a couple days more before making any other transactions.
April 2007, I recieved a notice from Bank of America that the check was a fraud. This was devastating.I then went to Bank of America in the Maryland area of Prince George's Co. of my dilemma, and was told that I was not the only customer who was affected by this and that there were others. My question to her, why were the customers not informed. She had no answer. Where and what responsibility is the Bank of Americal held.
I have worked twenty-six yrs. in the medical field helping others, and am on disability, and I am now being sued by a big company who did not care about their customers. Some of the money that was in my account at that time was mine. Please, could you help me or better yet let me speak out on this to the public. So many people have lost their jobs, and connot be hit like this. In calling this secret shopper company, I did let them know my situation in needing an income and they assured me that they were legitamate.
Why am I just doing something. I did not know what to do.
We are not all there are we?
Why does the tone and manner of your typing sound like the constant spam I receive on a daily basis.
Dear Lucky receipiant "From the Official UK Lottery, YOU HAVE WON 11,000,000 franks in the Ugandian Kodak Lottery".
Sounds like this post is a scam. People, for the last time, NOTHING IS FREE!
I am dealing with something
I am dealing with something like this as well, I received a check tonight telling me to call and register within 48 hour of receiving this check otherwise the check would be void.
BY NOW
ANYONE who falls for this crap...DESERVES to be had! This crap has been going on for so long you would have THOUGHT the dominant species on the planet would have LEARNED SOMETHING by now...guess we ARE stupid!
SCAMS
I AM DEALING WITH A SIMILAR SCAM RIGHT NOW I PLACED SOME PUPPIES FOR SALE IN THE STAR NEWS AND AD PACK. A FEW DAYS LATER I RECIEVED A CALL FROM A TRANSLATOR SERVICE ABOUT THE DOGS SO I ASSUMED THE GUY WAS DEAF USING A TRANSLATOR SERVICE. THEN THE GUY CALLED A DAY OR SO LATER AND WAS SUPPOSEDLY FROM LONDON SAID HE WOULD BE SENDING A CHECK FOR THE DOGS AND AN EXTRA 100 FOR THE RUNNING AROUND I WOULD HAVE TO DO AND FOR SHIPPING OF THE DOGS. WHEN I RECEIVED THE CHECK IT WAS FOR CLOSE TO $4000 AND IT HAD A LETTER TELLING ME TO DEDUCT MY PORTION AND WIRE THE REST TO A JANET BAKER IN LONDON ENGLAND WHO SUPPOSEDLY IS A SECRETARY FOR A SHIPPING COMPANY AND THATS ALL THE INFO THAT WAS GIVEN. THE CASHIERS CHECK LOOKED A LITLE FUNNY SO I TOOK IT TOO MY BANK THEY RAN THE NUMBERS AND SAID THEY WERE GOOD BUT TO BE ON THE SAFE SIDE I LET IT SIT IN MY ACCT INSTEAD OF TAKING THE FUNDS OUT AND IT DID NOT CLEAR THE CASHIERS CHECK HAD H&R BLOCK AND THEIR BANKS NAME ON IT WHICH WE BELIEVE THEY WASHED SOMEONES INCOME TAX CHECK BUT THEY WERE TRYING TO GET ME TO SEND THEM THE EXCESS FUNDS VIA WESTERN UNION AFTER THE SALES OF THE DOGS AND THE EXTRA 100 WERE DEDUCTED FROM THE CHECK AND AS I SAID THE CHECK WAS NO GOOD AND THE GUY IS STILL SENDING ME EMAILS THAT HE WILL CONTACT AUTHORITES IF I DON'T SEND HIM THE MONEY THAT I WAS SCAMMING HIM OF COURSE I'M STILL LAUGHING AT THAT NOTION I WISH HE WOULD BUT I'M LOST AS WHAT TO DO I CAN'T BELIEVE HES STILL EMAILING ME AND MAKING THREATS WHEN HE SENT ME A WASHED CHECK
mark his email as spame
mark his email as spame honey and keep it moving
Tell him your husband is
Tell him your husband is with the US Secret Service, and will be happy to meet with him to discuss. I'm betting the emails would stop...lol.
Re:Scams
Wow, Shannon. Turn off the CAPSLOCK and use some punctuation.
This ploy is very,very old. Remember folks, "There's no such thing as a free lunch."
No such thing as a free lunch?
You are undermining the basic tenet of the Democratic Party!
Commonsense makes me laugh...daily...
Are you sure you're not my far right father-in-law in disguise?? LOL
scam
This makes no sense to me. What bank lets you deposit a check and lets you get the cash from your account BEFORE the check has cleared?????
NONE that I have ever banked with. Banks wont even let you cash a check (not written on their bank) unless you have the cash to cover it in your acct.
Normal banks protect themselves from loss as well as you. You can not just hand them a $4,000.00 check from whoever and get the cash right then or in a day for that matter. The check has to clear FIRST.
I guess this scam company relies on the idea that someone with enough cash already in their bank account may fall for this.
Scam
A local bank FSNB fell for this scam and it was deposited into my co-workers checking account as a good check for 4 days.
Scam
The people who send out all these checks out just need a couple of suckers with enough money in their accounts to cover the deposit to make it a profitable scam for them. And they are almost always overseas corporations and banks, which makes it impossible for the victims to get their money back.
Suntrust
I bank with SunTrust and I can deposit a check and recieve cash back right away! I dont know who you bank with but you may want to consider changing banks. If the check is bad you just have to pick up the slack, either pay it off yourself or send the check back to the person who issued the check and get them to pay you back with cash with the NSF fee.
sun trust
Looks like sun trust's YOU to pay when a check is bad. Wow, they are really looking out for you????? Re-read what you wrote...slowly....key words I picked up on were "all you have to do is pick up the slack" Duh people!!!!!!!
Shadow Shopping Scam...
I am holding a check from a NJ bank, with paperwork out of Ontario. I figure, if I just go to my bank and ask them to call and clear the check so I can cash it right there and then.. ok we are either set or not. Nothing in my paperwork says I have to deposit it.
Checks
Believe it or not, I've gotten TWO of these checks.
Company #1 supposed address is set in NYC. Company #2 is supposed to be in Santa Barbara. #1's telephone number is area code 403. That's an Alberta (as in Canada) area code. I know, I checked. The bank the check is written on is located in Philadelphia. #2's telephone number is area code 514. That's Quebec. They're supposed to located in Santa Barbara.
Check #1 is for the amount of $4,450. #2 is for $4,975.
#1 is dated for July 6, 2008. #2 for September 6, 2008.
For all those reasons above, I started trying to research the two companies and I could find nothing to verify their existence. I'm not calling Canada. After sitting on them for the last few days, I was going to ask my bank to verify funds before doing anything else with them until a friend mentioned to me about this article.
By the way, in the letter from Company #1, the recipient is told in bold letters to deposit the check. Company #2 declares that if the receiver does not call after receiving the check, then they will put a stop payment order on the check.
I'm in a financially tough position. I'm looking for work and, yes, I'm getting a little desperate. However, I never would have risked my bank account for a job. I had a plan of action and it depended on the clearing of the check, first. I almost agree that anyone falling for a check that hasn't cleared yet is almost asking for it but at the same time, I can see why they'd want to.
I've been a mystery shopper and it was a great job while I had it. But it's a job that has to be found and not one that's offered willy nilly. When I was a mystery shopper before, I had to apply to various companies on a list that I had to pay for. Like mentioned above, it's not a job that pays as much as was being offered. I averaged about $15 a job.
About the saddest thing regarding these checks is that I get to shred them...such a cruel sight that's going to be. Ugh.