Secret Shopper Scam Arrests in Canada
Two operators of an alleged counterfeit cashier’s check scam have been arrested in Canada. This secret shopper scam has cheated potential mystery shoppers out of hundreds or even thousands of dollars each. Variations of the scam have involved lotteries, eBay and CraigsList purchases and other scenarios, but the mystery shopper angle has gotten a lot of attention lately.
These scams involve sending checks to potential mystery shoppers, often people who have posted their resumes on online job sites. The scammers try to look legitimate by using the logos of respected companies, such as Western Union, WalMart, Starbucks, and many others in the letter that accompanies the bogus check. Many times, the scammers use the name of a real mystery shopping company although, obviously, they are not connected to a legitimate company at all.
Christopher Nduka and Alicia Obermuller of Brampton, Ontario, operated an alleged counterfeit check scam out of their home by mailing letters to U.S. residents stating they had won a lottery or were selected to be a secret shopper. The recipients were instructed to deposit enclosed checks and wire a portion of the funds back to the operators of the alleged scam. However, after the victims deposited the counterfeit checks and sent the funds, the checks bounced and victims lost their money. It is estimated that hundreds of U.S. residents have fallen victim to this alleged scam, and have been bilked at least $150,000 in total to date.
Nduka and Obermuller were arrested this week after officers found shredded copies of the “Secret Shopper” solicitation letters in their home. A check printer and blank check stock were also found. The two accused have been allegedly operating fraudulent schemes such as “The Advance Fee Lottery” and “The Secret Shoppers” since January 2005.
Variations of the scam involve overpaying for an item purchased on eBay or CraigsList, then asking the victim to wire the amount of the overpayment as a refund, or claiming that the person has won a lottery and has to pay taxes or other fees before their winnings can be released.
Although these arrests are good news, this scam is not likely to go away any time soon. Be alert. If you have any doubts about what you are asked to do, do not call the phone numbers on the letter or the check. Those numbers will generally connect you to the scammer. Do an internet search for the bank on which the check is drawn and call them. Better yet, if you receive an offer involving cashing a check and wiring money, do not do it. Destroy the check or notify local law enforcement.
on March 2nd, 2008 at 8:34 pm
That is great news. One of the scammers used our company name in their mailings. Hopefully that is the one who got caught.
Also, if you run across a company that is an internet scam the FBI has set up a website to report it. It is http://www.ic3.gov.
on March 30th, 2008 at 9:02 am
i recieved a letter in the mail on 3-29-08 from consolidated market response with a check from franklin industries for 3,970.00. they wanted me to cash the check at my bank and spend 130.00 at walmart home depot kmart or sears. then they wanted me to keep 200.00 and send the rest to them thru western union or money gram 3,530.00 the letter is from canada. just wanted to let everyone know about this scam.
on March 30th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Although it is good to see that some arrests are being made, the scam is still in operation. There are lots of people out there running this scam.
What your mother said is still true: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
on November 5th, 2008 at 10:47 am
I just received one such scam in the mail. The check is drawn on Industrial Bank of Washington in Washington, D.C. 20011, account number (deleted), and is identified with the company name “TITO CONTRACTORS, INC, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20012″ The check is in the amount of $3,895.25. The check looks legit.
The accompanying letter instructs me to call “John Givens” at 1-514-578-4794. I’m to spend $25 at Burger King, $70 at Wal-Mart, and do a Money Gram transfer of $3,285.25, probably to Canada. The phone number is Canadian. Oh, the letter is “signed” by one Laura Beckley (Director, Operations).
Watch out for these guys.
on November 5th, 2008 at 11:10 am
There are lots of people running this scam. They may use the names of real banks and even real mystery shopping companies, but the checks are stolen or forged and they will not be made good.
Never cash a check you receive in the mail, seemingly out of nowhere. Why would a company send you a valid check for thousands of dollars, with no prior contact? Answer: They wouldn’t. Scam, every time.
on July 7th, 2009 at 10:08 am
I received a letter with a Canada stamp on it with a check inclosed for $4720.00. I was to call Anita Jackson at a phone number in New York. She told me she was releasing the check and I could go to my bank and cash it. As soon as I did I was to call her and she would tell me what to do next. $400 would be mine for training, $50 to spend at walmart, $30 at Sears, and $20 at McDonalds. I was told I can keep all that I purchase. the other $4220 was to be sent to two different Western Union Money Grams and she would tell me where to send after I cashed the check. I questioned if I should keep it all in cash or put it in my account and she said either would be fine. The letter is from Valley National Bank in New Jersey. There is no phone number to call the bank. Just Anitas number and a fax number to send copies of the survery’s. the letter attached was signed by Yvonne Multer, Director of HR. I had applied online and through Career Builders they received my information. The check looks legitimate but I could not get it verified at the bank. At the bottom of the letter is a bar code and and address from Ontario, Canada. Sounds like a scam to me!!!!
on July 7th, 2009 at 10:34 am
It is definitely a scam. No doubt about it. Do not cash the check–you could get in legal trouble for cashing a bad check.
on July 11th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Got one of the scams, return address P.O.Box 70997 Lachine H8S 1E5. Very detailed and professional appearing. Firm, Sheehan Pipe Line Construction Company, and Bank, American Bank and Trust Co. are both real in Tulsa OK. However, noted that bank routing code, while correct, was not in the MIC code line which probably throws the check into manual processing which probably significantly delays discovery the it is fraudulent.
on July 12th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
I received one of these scams in the mail. It was from Canada. This didn’t add up to begin with, claiming I won such and such, $55,000. They didn’t send the entire check. Fishy, right? Well, first off, we called the lady, (905) area code, I researched and found out it was an Ontario, Canada area code. Fishy, again. Why was there an Ontario area code when this business was supposedly based out of Palm Beach, FL? The check was from Houston, TX. We called the bank, they ran the numbers on the cashier’s check, they said it was a fake. When you recieve a cashier’s check, or any type of sweepstakes check, always call that bank that it was drawn out of, that way you don’t get scammed! Oh, and by the way, they said we had to pay the taxes on it. Fishy there, too, cuz when you win money, no matter if it was the lottery or a sweepstakes, the government automatically takes that money for taxes out.
on July 20th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Well the Canadian Scam is going strong. Just received a check for $2190.00 to make purchases to Wal-Mart, Lowes and wire two large sums to two different guys via Money-Gram. They hit the wrong family. Already contacted Oklahoma State Attorney General and looking for the Canadian high court. Not to mention the poor “legite” company the check is being drawn on. They picked the wrong folks this time. We are not going sit idly by to let them take advantage of some poor unsuspecting person who needs that money. I am hope to see this ring of thieves rot in jail.
on August 11th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
I received a mail message from SEA CONSULTANTS over the interned telling me that I would be paid as a mystery shopper and that they would send me money by mail including a full package which I have never received. i believe they wanted my personal identification for other purposes.
on August 11th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
They may have been phishing for personal information, but it is typical that the scammers first get your info by email before sending the bogus check. (Sometimes they get the info from elsewhere, such as a resume posted at a job site.)
If you are concerned they might be attempting identity theft, keep a close eye on your accounts, and file fraud alerts with the credit bureaus.
on August 13th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
harry here, i got 3 checks & 5 uspo money orders, a total of $27.171.34, i would like to have all that money, and theywould like for me to send back to them, a total of $26.546.34, that would leave me with $625.00, now if someone is going to send me all that money, and even if the checks are good, DO YOU THINK IAM SENDING THE MONEY BACK, ( NO IAM MOVING ) THANK YOU HARRY
on August 13th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
LOL! That is exactly what I have always said: Why would a company send valid checks for thousands of dollars to someone with whom they have no contractual relationship and know nothing (or almost nothing) about? Answer: They wouldn’t! You can shred the checks, turn them over to law enforcement, or frame them and think how nice it would be if they were real. Whatever you do, just don’t try to cash them. You will end up with a pile of bank fees, and you might even get thrown in jail. (It has happened.)
on August 15th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
I got a check from Job Solutions and was selected to be a Customer Service Evaluator along with a $4,475.00 check drawn at a AMERICA FIRST FEDERAL CREDIT UNION with a PO Box address and no phone number to contact them.
One thing that made realize this was a scam was the letter with the company logo and the logos of Pizza Hut, Gap, Walmart, Starbucks and Wendy’s among others. They looked really fake, like a counterfeit bill (kind of blurry around the edges).
This one almost got me.
on August 24th, 2009 at 12:43 am
Got one of these today from a Van-Senus Holdings, Inc. saying that a survey that I took from Consumer Survey Specialists indicated that I was selected to be a secret shopper.The telephone area code was in Canada and the fax is in Washington, while the company is supposed to be in Hammond, IN with just a P.O. box. Who trusts a company with just a P.O. box? Plus, they have am “area manager” in Brooklyn, NY.
This was a “training” job.
on August 24th, 2009 at 7:39 am
It’s important to remember that the specifics of the company name and location do not matter. If someone sends you a check and tells you to wire money somewhere, it is a scam. Period. That said, a lot of these scammers do have telephone numbers with Canadian area codes. The fax could be an online service or other virtual fax, so the area code doesn’t really mean much–it’s just where the service is. And many legitimate companies of all kinds use a P.O. box as their mailing address.
on August 28th, 2009 at 11:52 am
first time scammed here…. $2920.00 sent in mail I did not think so i cashed it… luckily I went online when I got home and figured I would check it out seemed funny they wanted me to send 2 $1100 transfers of course
on September 1st, 2009 at 7:09 am
I got one from the canada companty called trend evaluation group along with a check for $2850.00. Since I am retired law enforcement I was really on red alert. I called the guy ,a Kent Rikens who spoke very poor english and so fast it make me frown. To make a long story short I went on line found your report and now I’m.in touch with the A.T. of Ohio to have this mess shut down. If it sounds to good to be true….you know the rest. Senior citizens please beware….dee perkins ohio
on September 2nd, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Back on March 24,2009 I received a business looking letter with other business forms to file my work with a company called Career Edge Ltd.. Included was a check for $4,945.00. I was to keep $400 of it and spend $25.00 @ Burger King,send a Money Gram Transfer for $2100.00, send a Western Union Transfer for $1990.00 and pay the service charges to these two companies and finally spend $130.00 at Walmart all of which I did.after depositing this check into my personal bank account for two days before withdrawing it. I spoke with these people on the phone five or six times. I had a ligitimate FAX number to send my paper work to Niagra Falls, Canada through. A week later my bank notified me of the scam and admitted that they were aware of it but no one advised me. I am totally disabled and needed a part time job. This looked very professional and as I worked in the retail foods business with Meijer, Inc. for ten years I was very aware of “Mystery Shoppers”. The outcome of this whole thing was that my bank took my social Security check for the month of April and the $250 stimulus check that the government gave us. I still owed them around $3,000 and after doing business with this bank for over thirty years they offered me no assstanse at all in attempting to recover the losses. All they did was ruin my credit with the three major credit companies and they also made sure that I could not do business with any other bank for the next five years. I made a dozen phone calls to every agency I could find, wrote many letters. sent a few emails and never recieved a response from anyone. My local Police department said they could do nothing and blamed me for not being smarter than I was. Everything I recieved was very professionally put together. These people are pro’s at this and I still have not been able to recover from this set back. I was kicked out of my apartment because I could not pay the rent. The phone company, the electric company, and a few other others are threatening me as I moved into another apartment as soon as I recieved my next Social Security check and had these services turned on. I spent a month sleeping in my car with no food for a month , just me and my dog. What an experience. Believe me, when you guys contacted me I checked you out very well. Now because of my experience in the cold month of April I have to go into the hospital and have an operation due to an infection I contracted in my back. I am disabled due to Degenerative Disk Disease throughout my back which has now spread through my entire body. I didn’t mean this to become a book but I wanted to show anyone who would listen as to what can happen when you think you have a good thing going. Thanks for your time to read this. Paul Wiekierak -Detroit, Michigan
on September 15th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
I figured it out right away and we all had a good laugh about it til I read some of the comments on this sight. I can see how easy it would be to fall for this scam…It has a legit web site, names several top companies in their letter. So many people are getting hurt. So we will be contacting the Michigan State AG . Anyone who is reading this and wondering if it could be true…IT’S NOT. THROW IT OUT.
on September 15th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
paul my heart goes out to you ,
i’m going though the same thing no one ever advised me either 4980.00 now my bank put a freeze on my account and they said there going to proscute me so i did call the fbi and i got attoney
so i just pray these people get caught and i think the bank should be at fault also noing this about the fraud checks were getting ……. i’m completety disablae my self and scared to death so people just dont care so we have to get our name cleared because its not like we get a check everyday knowing and the bank should be in trouble to i think. just keep your head up high and i’ll be praying for all that is going though this god bless
there a bank they should no these things i pray these people get caught
on September 18th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Just got a check for $4970 from Dynamic Vision Inc.; a Secret Customer employment firm??? Broke down as $300 training pay + expenses, $50 Walmart, $40 JC Penny, $2800 + $150 Travelex, $1570 + $60 Moneygram. Very real looking cashiers check from Westfield Bank, OH.. Gives This website adress at the top of the letter??? I might just call the phone # they gave me!!
Anyone??
on September 25th, 2009 at 10:24 am
i was sent a check for three thousand dollars from a company in ontario, canada. That claims that theu are a legitimate company, but now im starting to wonder if im not being scammed as well. The lady from the company told me to call before i deposit the check and then once i call and talk to her, then go and deposit the check into my account. I thought something was fishy about the whole deal because on the paper it says to take $2,143 and send it to a lady through money gram at walmart. Then it goes on to say take $560 for myself for being the secret shopper, then $100 for gas, and then $200 to buy anything i wanted but they want me to send the receipts in for the products that i buy. So the whole reason for me to do this secret shopper job was to get an income for me and my family. Because my husbands job laid all the workers off for 3 months so i was trying to find a job in the mean time. So when i finally did this company sent me the check for the $3,000 it doesn’t seem right but we needed the money. So i deposited the check this month and said it would be a 5 day hold to clear the check. So todat i checked my account and the check didn’t clear the bank said it was insufficient funds and now im trying ti get a hold of the company to talk to them and it goes straight to their machine.
on September 25th, 2009 at 10:57 am
This is definitely a scam. NEVER cash a check and wire money to someone. In fact, never wire money to anyone you do not know personally. You are fortunate that the check bounced before you wired money. You would have had to pay the bank all of the funds.
on September 30th, 2009 at 9:56 am
Well the scam is back again using shadow shoppers name I just received 2 us postal money orders for 955.00 each from David Armstrong using Shadow Shopper site wanting me to shop either Wal-mart or Western Union in my area. My bank call and found out that the money order were fake and now have possion of them. This guy David even had the balls to call my home to see if I had received them to do the shops this morning. By posting this comment I hope some one from the real shadow shopper site reads this because I have been a shopper for the real one and have never had any problems before.
on September 30th, 2009 at 10:33 am
The scammers use all kinds of names–one even used the URL for this site! The funny thing about that is that anyone who comes to the home page of this site is immediately greeted with a warning from me about these scams.
Just one note about Shadow Shopper–you can not be a shopper for them as they are not a mystery shopping company. They pass along leads for assignments, but they do not make assignments or hire shoppers.
on October 5th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
OMG CHRIS!!! I just received a check from a company called Responsive Feedback Inc. The breakdown of businesses and spending amounts are identical to yours. Check has Cranford, NJ, Letter enclosed with check has Westfield NJ address. This is a scam for sure. Post mark is also from Canada, and the envelope has my information hand written. I guess trying to make it look a little more personal. Work to hard to just give my money away how bout you!!!!
on October 15th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
yes been reading all the scams an i should of follow my first mind and torn the check up but i am unemployed rite now because of the economy an thout it was a legit blessin but still felt fishy so i tryed to cash it at a currency exchange instead of my bank an they kept the letter an cashier check an said it was no good an i stay in a little town so the scam get around
on October 20th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
I just got a letter and a check for $1698.31 to spend at K-Mart, Wal-Mart and Western Union. They want me to send $1200 to some guy in Spain. I work at a Police Dept and this was an immediate red flag they sent it to my mom’s house with my maried name.. Please be aware this scam is still operational.
on November 4th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Well I just got my check today for $3499.00. The company that was used was Stewart Title North and the bank was Texas Capital Bank. Both the company and the bank are legit, but I just know better so I did some additional internet research and found this site. The real reason I knew it was a scam is because with the economy the way it is right now there is no way a company can give me a legit $3500 and expect me to send most of it back.
on November 5th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
i just got scammed what do i do , i got a secret shopper deal in the mail i opened up a seperate checking account so it would not be tied to my main account ,i called the number to check in with this mr goldman ,he told me to follow the instructions on the paper and call after i did the work or surveys , i told him i would not with draw anymoney til the bank cleared the check , the check was cleared after 5days grace period,i withdrew the money did the jobs called checked in and was told to fax the info over , two days later ,i got notice from the bank that said the check was clear that it had bounced ,i called this mr goldman and the nmber was disconeccted what do i do ,please please help i can not afford to be out this money that the bank is now demanding in pay them ,please where do i turn what do i do help……..thank you and godbless
on November 9th, 2009 at 1:59 am
I have to say this: WHY in the world would ANY of you consider any career opportunity that tells you that you have to Western Union your employer money?! I have a hard time feeling sorry for anyone who falls for this garbage. If you’re smart enough to come to this website once you’ve been bilked, did you NOT consider Googling the information beforehand? Seniors-I’m saying it ESPECIALLY to you. You live on a fixed income, and need to protect it more than anything else, and you’ll fall for a scam that is so obvious? If you’re so apt to fall for a gimmick such as this, you probably should not have a bank account to begin with. I’m sorry, but that’s my honest opinion.
on November 9th, 2009 at 9:03 am
These scams have been around since well before the Internet. There have always been victims and there will always be victims. These scammers are smart, and they know how to press people’s buttons and get them to act. Take a look at this article about why people fall for scams to get a better understanding of how this works. Most people have some idea that they may be dealing with a scam, but they want or need the money and want desperately to believe that it is real.
Ultimately, it is up to us to protect ourselves. Law enforcement can take a report after the fact, but they can not keep us from getting scammed and it is unlikely they will recover any of the money lost to scammers.
on November 11th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
hi! i recieved that fraud check on nov 11, 2009! thank god i didnt cash that check because i barely have money! I’m 19 i pay my own college ect…… Im so blessed for websites like this that tell you the DANGER of SCAMS! GOD BLESS!
on November 11th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Help us spread the word about these scams so we can keep others from falling for them. Educating people about how the scams work will save them from losing money to the thieves trying to scam them.
on November 17th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
They’re back! A scam using checks bearing the name of JD Byrider Sales has returned. These checks are not issued by anyone from JD Byrider or anyone affiliated with JD Byrider. If you get a check from JD Byrider for any parttime work assigned as Marketing, Secret Shopper, or Survey’s do not deposit these checks or follow any of the instructions!! These checks are generally in the amounts between $2000 – $5000
on November 23rd, 2009 at 7:00 pm
I got one of those nice letters today from JOHNSON WORK FORCE,INC., ATLANTA GA p.o.box. The amount was $1985.00, with $1310.00 to be wired to DOROTHY LANGHORN-BROOKLYN, N.Y., with a phone and fax # in CANADA. It would be nice if it were the real thing, but I didn’t fall off the turnip wagon. BEWARE of this scam as well as the others.
on November 23rd, 2009 at 7:50 pm
The names may change, but the scam remains the same…beware, everyone.
on November 30th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Received a check from Affliated Foods, Inc. 3,998.00 for Mystery Shopper. I was instructed to spend 100. at a Walmart, Sears, etc. and then wire through western union or moneygram a significant amount to Eric Roy in Canada Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5R7 CANADA. Leaving us with $500.00. (Which we could really use to help me repair our broken transmission in our 2001 Dodge Truck) Was provided a contact number and name if we had any questions: Deanna Edwards, 514-559-4378. When conversing with her she was rude, had a strong foreign accent and would not provide an email address. That is when we decided to search on google. We typed in the name of the company that the check was issued in. In flashing text it read SECRET SHOPPER SCAM: Affiliated Foods, Inc. does not have a program to pay secret shoppers. Any offer or payment to be a secret shopper is a SCAM. After reading this we called the company and then found this site. We are thankful that the Lord didn’t let us fall for this. I believe we need to trust in Him who feeds the birds of the air, and has redeemed us with His precious and priceless blood; even in times of financial difficulties.
Thank you Lord Jesus You are all we need
Ken and Laura Samela
on December 11th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
On Dec 1 2009 I received a check for the amount of 1,970.00 from City Research Centre P.O. Box 2011 Rutherford, NJ o7071…The post mark and stamp is from Canada…The Bank is Citibank, N.A. New Castle, DE. The letter is form Shoppers World and Tel 905-782-2468 with the E-mail cashextra @live.com The break down of 300.00 for me for probation Training pay and 1,500.00 for Western Union Funds Transfer and 170.00 for Service charges/Shopping. I am to wire the 1,500 to a Keri Mullen in Manchester UK…I am to be a secret shopper checking out the customer service of Western Union. Before I am to cash the check I am to call the customer service dept and speak to a Randy Simms…The fax # and Customer Service are one in the same…I did a reverse phone search and it is a cell # in Brampton ON,…I goggled the bank address and called Citibank,…they said the account was a legitimate account but they could not give no more information on the owner of the account due to a 3rd party block on the account. They gave me another name which was something like ITSEXPENSE…I’m not too sure of that name because the 2 reps I spoke to had extremely thick Indian accents. I am sure it was not the name of City Research Centre which is on the check. The letter is signed by Rhonda Newton Human Resource Manager and the check is signed by John M. Lawson. Everything looks legitimate and I can really use the 300.00 but you cannot find any information on these people…They do not know me and why would they send me a check out of the blue with the instructions to put it in my bank with a 5 day limit on which I am to complete the assignment…I believe I saw this on a documentary where these people set up a p.o. box business and they are gone soon after the transaction is done. Needles to say I have trashed the check. Too good to be true.
on December 26th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Be forewarned, this is quite long:
I just finished reading all of the comments that were on the page when I loaded it, ending with the one from Rene on December 11th, 2009 at 6:05 pm.
I agree with what Susan McLeod said in her posting dated November 9th, 2009 at 1:59 am.
No matter how desperate you are for money, how can you believe that a company that you have never heard of, or have never done business with, would send you a check for thousands of dollars, right out of the blue, and then trust you to do what they ask you to do with the money? Would they not be worried that you would simply keep the money and never get in touch with them? If the contact you, you simply say “What check?”
What legitimate business people would put themselves in such a spot?
You see, its that phrase “legitimate business” which is the key to this entire discussion. No legitimate business would conduct their “business” is such a way – period.
We, ourselves, are desperate for money right now – very desperate. Creditors are calling daily and we are paying them what we can and still keep food the table, gas in the furnace, and electricity in the lights.
But – if a letter, like those so oft described on this web site, were to arrive in our mailbox, as soon as I realized what it was – which would happen about 1 1/2 seconds after I started reading it – I would put on a part of latex gloves (my wife is a cosmetologist and she usually leaves a few pairs at home when she buys a new box) so as to hopefully preserve some of the fingerprints of the criminals who sent it, and I would then carefully make several photo copies of everything and then hand carry the original to the local FBI offices. I would then mail the copies to the police and prosecutors for our local, county, and state governments. I would keep one copy and frame it as a memento of the ridiculous things people can fall for.
Perhaps you think me too harsh – I simply cannot understand how people fall for these and all of the other scams.
I was taught that if something seems too good to be true, it is very likely quite false.
I was also taught to take people at their word but to check that “word” very carefully before doing business with them.
The only reason these scams continue to be used is that someone, somewhere, believes the garbage pitched by these people and does as they request. If only one person in a thousand falls for it, the criminals still make a lot of money.
The problem is, as P. T. Barnum said, “There is a sucker born every minute.”
The crooks of the world know that that is true and they benefit from it every day.
You might wonder how I happened upon this web site – I checked my email and found 2 Nigerian scam emails in the Screened Mailbox and one, which got through the scanning programs, and wound up in my email Inbox. I had not seen any of the three before, they being slightly different takes on the same old scam, and I wondered what the community knew about them. As I read through various web pages, following this and that link, I happened upon this page.
But, now, if you will excuse me, I have to reply to another email I just got from this gentlemen at the Royal Bank of Scotland who says that he has $3,545,128 in an account payable to me. We need the money and I want to get it just as soon as possible.
It is strange, however, that his use of the English language seems quite strange coming from someone in Scotland – it almost seems as though English is not his first language, that perhaps his first language is one more related to those of Africa than of the UK … hmmm??
But, hey, he’s got a pile of money for me. I can forgive him his grammar, strange ways of saying things, and such – I want the money. I don’t know where it came from but he says it’s mine and I want it. One other funny thing about it though, he says that the money is in my name but he wants me to send a lot of personal information about myself, including my name??????
Oh well, maybe it is a test to be sure he as contacted the right person.
However, before I reply to him, I guess I should remove my tongue from where it is firmly jammed into my cheek….
People! The world is a dangerous place and there are all sorts of people out there who want to do you harm and steal everything you have – ALWAYS LOOK A GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH — ALWAYS!
Better to MISTRUST someone, and be proven wrong, than to TRUST someone, and be proven wrong.
By the way, there is this bridge in New York City, to which I hold a clear and valid deed, that I need to sell in the next few days. What am I offered for it? Also, there is an Arch in St. Louis, Missouri which I will putting on the market next week ………..
People, please check the horse’s teeth and then check them again.
Good luck
Bob
on December 26th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Bob, having talked with a lot of people who have fallen for these scams (or came close) I have found that there are two big reasons people succumb: (1) They want to believe it is true and (2) They are not sure how to check it out to determine if it is a scam. People want desperately to believe that someone will give them a lot of money for, well, nothing. Especially these days, but it has always been true.
Most of the time I am able to stop people from getting scammed, and I am glad for that. I get questions all the time, and my answer is always the same: If someone wants you to cash a check and wire money somewhere (the most common mystery shopper scam), it is always a scam. No exceptions, always a scam. It doesn’t matter what company they say they are with, the amount of the check or money order, or what businesses they claim you are mystery shopping. Scam.
However, recently I have had a couple of people ask if what they got was a scam and, after I told them it was, they still went ahead and wired the money. That I can’t understand at all.
Folks, you are not the magical exception. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck.
on December 28th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
I received a check in the mail for a little over 5,000$ I was told I was chosen to be a mystery shopper for the company Sheehan Pipe Line Construction Company, and Bank, American Bank and Trust Co. I was told that $ 500 dollars was mines for training, 100 for shopping and I was to send 4100 to another rep via westren union are these people frauds?
on December 28th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Of course this is fraud. Again: Anytime someone sends you a check and tells you to wire some of the money to someone, it is a scam. No exceptions. Always a scam. No matter the amount, where it comes from, the name on the check or anything else. Scam.
on December 29th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
I have known for a long time that most of the mystery shopper jobs are scams. I put in about eight requests to be mystery shopper within the past two weeks, just to check them out. I have received eight money orders some usps and some money gram for about $8,000 total. I gave the postal money orders to the post office and tore up the money gram money orders. Needless to say they were all fake.. Dont fall for these scams.
on December 29th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
It is definitely not true that “most of the mystery shopper jobs are scams.” I do mystery shopper jobs, and have for years. I have never been scammed.
To avoid scams, only register with legitimate mystery shopping companies. Never pay to apply. Never cash a check or money order and wire money to anyone.
on February 9th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
I just received a so called Cashiers Check in the amount of $3,650.00. The so called regional manager of this secret shopper service is a David Cole. He is the contact and told me to shop Walmart and Western Union. First cash the cashiers check, take out $250 for salary/wages, $100 to spend at Walmart and $50 for gas. Then send the balance(while you are secret shopping Western Union) via Western Union to a dude in the UK. I emailed this David back and told him it was a scam in which he said it absolutley was not. I mentioned some FTC rules and asked to whom I should return the check. That was over a week ago and have not heard back.
on February 17th, 2010 at 9:37 am
I fell for a mystery shopper scam, they say they want you to accept a 5000 check and it looking pretty real to me and then I was to take 200 and the rest wire ti to some where else meanwhile the bank finds out and tell the check was altered and that it was not 5000 but maybe 50 now you are in debt of 5000 the guy name is Richard Hamilton from UGA Inc phone number is 1-800-901-6260 ext 211 and Dan Parker Reed I wish I would have read all this before
on March 30th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
I got a letter in the mail with no return address stating they wanted me to be a [Consumer Service Evaluator]. It would consist of two assignments. The first assignment would be a money transfer to Western Union. The second would be to go out to a retail store of your choice (Wal-Mart Sears Costco Best Buy Home Depot) and spend a sum of 100. I tried calling the number several times because the extra money would come in handy, but it was some automated voice talking really fast then they would hang up. Okay so I got a 2nd letter yesterday in the mail with no return address and I think to myself its a chance for me to make some extra money. So I call up this so called person name “FRANK YOUNG” aka my “account manager” to accept the offer and activate the “CHECK”. The check is worth $1,995.00. $350.00 would be my salary. 100.00 would be to go to a retail store. and 1,545.00 would be the Western Union Transfer. The name of the so called company once again is called Crown Career Management, Inc. out in Minnetonka, MN WTF?? Does that even exist??? I have no idea how they got my address but it states in the letter that I indicated an interest in extra income. Yes that part would be true because I did. It again would consist of the same 2 assignments. So today I went to the bank to cash it but the banks said that the funds have to be on hold for 7 business days from todays date. I think that I am in really big trouble and that I have to do something fast before I have to pay all that money back. So if anyone else recieves these letters with no return address please do not even attempt to OPEN THEN. SHRED THEM UP AND TRASH THEM ASAP!!!!
on March 30th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
You are not really in any trouble–yet. Do not wire money to anyone. Notify your bank that the check you deposited was part of an attempted scam, and that it will bounce. Do not contact the scammers, just ignore them. You (or your bank) may also wish to notify law enforcement, although it is doubtful that they would/could take any action.
on April 5th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
Thank you, Cathy for all your information. I received a “check” today from mystery shoppers usa which screamed of a sham just like so many other people have posted on your site. So I called St Anne’s Credit Union(which was the company on the check) and SURE ENOUGH… they said it was just as I thought…A Scam!!!! Now I am just mad.. because I wasn’t that stupid (or Naive) but many other people just might be. And I really don’t want these crooks to get by with simply stealing money from uneducated or monetarily desperate people. What do you think I should do? Would contacting the authorities REALLY do any good??
on April 5th, 2010 at 5:18 pm
You can report it to the police or other law enforcement, but there is not much they can or will do.
on April 27th, 2010 at 8:38 am
I got a letter in the mail on 04/26/2010 with a check in the amount of $3880.00 to be a mystery shopper. the letter like all the rest telling me to keep $300.00 for my first weeks pay and wire transfer $3285.00 and spend the rest on a shopping assignment. this letter post marked from Canada, return address from Welland ON. L3B-5S3. The letter was addressed as AMERICAN CONSUMER SURVEY AND THEIR ADDRESS IS 111 CROSLEY STREET WEST MONROE LA 71291. IT ALL LOOKED VERY GOOD, BUT I KNEW IT WAS A SCAM.
BEWARE TO ALL, DON’T FALL FOR THIS CRAP…
IT HITTING ARKANSAS
on May 12th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Folks what is wrong with many of you. When she notes ALWAYS A SCAM ANYTIME YOU HAVE TO SEND MONEY WHY DONT YOU GET IT PLEASE DONT FALL FOR THESE FAKE FAKE FAKE FAKE FAKE CHECK SCAMS ALWAYS AND FOREVER FAKE.
on May 19th, 2010 at 10:22 am
I received a check yesterday stating pretty much the same thing – Check for $3,375.00 – for two assignments, Western Union and Best Buy, JC Penny, K-Mart, Macy’s, Sears, or Walmart. They advised me to call my “Assigned Training Coordinator” at a number listed to receive the receiver name and destination of the $2,150 wire. They included $190 to cover the Western Union Fee. They then advise me that I am to take $150 to one of the above retail shops and purchase whatever I’d like, as I get to keep what is bought, I just need to forward my observations. The remaining $200 is my “fee” to keep.
on May 20th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
ALSO GOT SCAMED, FOR 1900.00,I DONT KNOW WHY THE FBI DOES NOT GO AFTER THESE GUYS ANF LOCK THEM UP
on June 3rd, 2010 at 12:40 pm
I received this letter too. Just to let you know there’s a new company name. It is Waterloo Market Research 325 Sycamore St. P.O. Box 27 NY, NY. Yet the letter had a stamp from Canada? Come on supposed market research companies, this doesn’t make sense!
on August 30th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
LOL so funny i got one today. At first i though i just got a check and was excited. But after i read i was though it was real. I had signed up for a bunch of stuff a while ago. I almost believed it until I saw i had to send money to Western Union. So i decided to get on the web and research this. And i wound up here. I figured it was to good to be true! I also look at the check even more it was written for 2,985.00. I saw in the water mark the letters VOID. Its very hard to see but if you look close you will see it… I hope this helps others i plan on taking this to my back tomorrow so they can warn others and perhaps contact the bank and get these people! If your here reading this, its probably a fake. the only time you will ever get a check from anyone is when you have done the work or already entered into an agreement!
on August 30th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
You are absolutely right. People do not send you money before you do work. This is always a scam. Glad you trusted your instincts and checked it out.
on September 10th, 2010 at 12:09 am
Wow. I received a letter with a check for 1960.00 on Wednesday. I knew something was fishy from the beginning. It was from a company called Deluxe Group, Inc. They have a PO Box in New York, but the letter was sent from Canada. They wanted me to wire money from Western Union to some guy named Francisco Clearwater in Chicago. Shame on these people who try to scam hardworking people into thinking that they can make easy money. Please, remember that nothing comes easy. If it looks too good to be true then there’s something fishy about the whole thing. Needless to say I tore the check up and threw it in the trash.
on September 10th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Would you give a stranger money and ask them to wire transfer to someone else? If you answered no, then what makes you different? No one is going to send you money for no reason. You need to work for your money. I got 2 checks in amount of $975.00 each. Same thing, he wanted me to wire transfer to some guy in SPAIN that’s red flag #1. He must think I’m stupid because on the money order it shows someone in my hometown issued the money order but the address it has on the money order is the address of a Travel Lodge red flag #2 and the letter has a label stating it shipped from Maryland red flag #3. Company name J AND J LLC 5179 ELIOTS OAK RD COLUMBIA RD sent by JAMES W JONES. He also text me to make sure I got the letter and the # that appears on my phone is 924-665-01 red flag #4 these are ghost #s so that you can’t call them. The name of the person who e-mailed me is Donald Anderson and his e-mail address are ddanderson818@gmail.com, ddanderson818@aol.com. Really, Donald, do you think I was going to fall for this? Just remember, what goes around comes around. KARMA will come get you harder then what you have done to others.
on September 14th, 2010 at 6:07 pm
I just got a letter from American Consumer Survey (ACS)-funny-first thing that told Me it was a scam is the logo is EXACTLY the same as my Student Loan Servicing company! A cashiers check for $3,430.00. They want me to wire most of it to some lady in Washington, spend $80 at a retail outlet, and keep the rest. Funny thing about this “Cashiers Check”? The “watermark” for security isn’t there. Fools!
on September 26th, 2010 at 10:31 am
I received a $3,900.67 check from Bartletts’ Home Interiors located in Michigan. My first clue that it was bogus was the fact the check was coming from a company that has nothing to do with secret shoppers. After checking into the phone number I found it is a Canadian number.
If it sounds to good to be true, than it is.
on October 13th, 2010 at 4:45 pm
A FRIEND OF MINE RECEIVED A SIMULAR LETTER AS EVERYONE STATED ABOVE AND I CASHED IT AT MONEYTREE AND KEPT ALL THE MONEY!!! BEST SCAM HE EVER HEARD OF!!
on October 13th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
I would hold on to that money. You will need it to repay the check cashing service. Or to pay for bail and an attorney when you are arrested for check fraud.
Lots of people think this seems clever–”I’ll just cash the check and keep all the money.” But it is illegal. In this case, the scammer won’t go to jail, but you might.
This also shows why it is naive to think these checks are real. Why would any business send a check for thousands of dollars to some random person and ask them to send some of it back?
on October 14th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
I have been sitting here reading everyone’s comments and I too have received something very similar in the mail yesterday. My letter and “money order” came in a UPS Express envelope in the amount of $950. This came from somewhere in Ohio and wanted me to spend $20 on goods at walmart and western union $860 to someone in China! I haven’t done anything with the money order yet but is it possible to cash this somewhere else other than my bank?
on October 14th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
Sure, you can try to cash it at a check cashing service or somewhere else. You will still be responsible for repaying them when the money order is discovered to be fraudulent. And if they discover it is fraudulent while you are at the check cashing place, they may just have you arrested.
Knowingly passing a counterfeit check or money order is a crime in most places. You know this is a fraud. Tear it up, throw it out or turn it over to law enforcement, but don’t cash it.
on October 22nd, 2010 at 9:17 pm
I received one of these in the mail on Oct. 18. Total $1,990 check, with $350 of that for my ‘wage’, $125 for Western Union wire transfer fee, and an additional $100 for purchases which I can keep from a store such as Home Depot or Walmart, among others. And, you’re supposed to evaluate the customer service you receive at both Western Union and whichever store you make the purchases at. I gave the letter and check to my local Chase Bank, they called them and found out they were fraudulent. Also, their fraud task force department also labeled it a fraudulent business.
on November 2nd, 2010 at 2:40 pm
I received a check in the amount of 3,545.00 with the first instructions to Western Union a check in the amount of 2,950.00 to a David Williams, 230 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, Ca.
This letter was received Nov. 2, 2010.
on November 2nd, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Obviously, this is another forged check. You can turn it over to law enforcement if you wish, or just ignore it and throw the check in the trash.
on November 8th, 2010 at 9:59 am
I am about to recieve a ups package for mystery shopping at a local western union. supposedly it contains a check for 1900.00 with my fee being 200.00 the rest to be sent to someone in texas. after seeing all of these posts i am definately going to call the bank on the check to see that its fake. thank you all for letting people know about this scam. I will post again tomorrow after checking out all the details.
on November 8th, 2010 at 10:05 am
You do not need to call the bank. I can tell you: The check is fake. There is no question about it. They always are. There is no situation where a company will legitimately ask you to do this. It is a scam.
on November 10th, 2010 at 9:42 am
Wow, As I sit here and read what other people has posted only because I too have recieved an offer to be a mystery shopper my UPS delivery person arrives with an envelope from Los Angeles,Ca. Brinks Inc. One sencond as I open the envelope. There are two(2) USPS Money Orders in the amount of $955.00 each made out to K.Hazelwood in Silverdale,Washington. Nothing else in the envelope AMAZING going to the post office to turn these in. Thanks Again
on November 15th, 2010 at 9:46 pm
I received a letter with a check for $2950.50 from Ariel Management Services Inc. They had an address in Kansas City, Missouri and the check was supposedly drawn on a bank in that city. The envelope had a Canadian stamp and postmark on it. I have not worked since 2008 because of health issues and was looking for some way to generate income. My “fee” would have paid for my medication for a month. I was sorely tempted but I listened to my inner voice that told me to check it out. I checked the phone numbers first. One was a land line in Port Richey,Florida and the other was a Canadian cell phone. The address listed on the check is a real address but there is only the bank name and the city and state. There is no routing number on the check either. I could find no information on the internet for the company listed on the check. The envelope was sent to my old address from a year ago and forwarded to me. I am reporting them to authorities.
on November 26th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
I received a cashiers check today delivered by UPS. The check is from US Bank in the amount of $3,450.00. There was nothing else in the envelope. I then received an email saying this was my first assignment as a secret shopper. They wanted me to put the check in my bank and then withdraw everything but $200 which was my fee. They then wanted me to go to our local Western Union provider and send all of the money to .SONJIA CROWLEY City :TAMPA,
State:FLA Zip code :33603 I contacted the name that was on the package from UPS and this gentleman said I was the third caller today asking about this. I really feel sorry for older people who are trusting and would have followed these instructions only to find out later that this check was a fraud. The name on the check as remitter was Severien Meyer. I will be taking this check and the email I received down to our local police department and let them handle it. Thanks for all of the posts from everyone sharing their experiences.
on November 29th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
I recieved the same thing and it told me to send it to sonjia crowley tampa fla, I goggled her name cause I thought it was strange there was no address with it and saw this article, I would like to thank all of for posting this so it didnt happen to me. But I do have one question, what should I do with the money gram? Is it stolen money or should I just rip it up, Im confused.
on November 29th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
The check is a forgery. There is no money. You can tear it up or turn it over to the police.
on December 2nd, 2010 at 1:22 pm
i got a check today..so glad i googled ,thanks you guys for all posts….Should i report to local police or is that a waste of time?Letter was from Northland research..details same as most of the others posted check was from Huntington bank..
on December 2nd, 2010 at 1:43 pm
You can report it to the police, but there is not much they can do.
on December 14th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
check out this scram
Good NewsFriday, December 10, 2010 6:50 AM
From: “GT Bank” Add sender to ContactsTo: undisclosed-recipientsThis is to inform you that we want to complete all old transaction before the end of this month, because after a proper screening and verification excises that was conducted in our Bank on the 19th of Oct 2010 in addition with the confirmation from the UN Online Promotional board, that you are truly one of the beneficiary of $1.1 Million for the year 2010 UN online funds donation.
This is to inform you that your fund have been deposited in our transit account and will be available for immediate transfer into your account which you are to set up, you are advice to open a Foreign Currency Account with us where your grant can be transferred into.
This mean that you need to open an online account with our bank and the requirement is just to completely fill out the online account application form and an deposit of $50 USD which serve as the account setup fee, after which your online account will be setup and then we can have your transferred into it and send you the login details and a Master Card attached to your account with which you can make online transaction at any point in time into any account of your choice.
What next?
We’ll advise that you get back to us within the next 2 working days.
Upon receipt of your email we shall send you our sign up application form and payment details which you are to use in making your payment for your online account set up.
Please Note that no deductions of any fees is allowed because we received your money in BOND and duly insured, based on our policies and as a result of the space of time available, you are hereby advised to act fast so we can provide you with the best of our banking services.
Regards
Uwem Akai
For: Guaranty Trust Bank Plc
on December 14th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
Wilie, this is the “same song, different verse.” You’re right–just another scam from the folks who want to separate you from your money.
on December 15th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
I am a single mom of a 4 year old son. Unfortunantly, 2 years ago, I was a victim of this crappy scam and the scum-bag jerk-offs behind it. I was sent a check for $2800.00 and was stupid (and desperate) enough to take it to my bank….. it just so happened to be around the same time my tax return came in….. the check bounced, and ALL of my money (Yes, INCLUDING my tax return) was taken out of my account, leaving me with a -$1900.00 balance. I cried for weeks because I no longer had money to pay for rent, insurance, doctor’s appointments, medication( I have Lupus and Rhumatoid Artheritis) or food for me and my son. I feel so STUPID for cashing it,and I know better now. But when you’re young, desperate, broke, and trying to support you and a little one on $8.00/hour… you do stupid things to try and make it work.
on December 15th, 2010 at 10:36 pm
That is what the scammers count on. So sorry this happened to you, but appreciate you sharing your experience to help others avoid it.
on January 2nd, 2011 at 6:52 pm
I received a check in the amount of $1975.00 drawn on a Bank of America in North Arlington, NJ. I was not expecting a check in the mail nor did I know the persons name on the check or on the UPS envelope. So a few days later I receive an email from yet a different person stating that this was to be a mystery shopper., I was to go pourchase $30 in merchandise at Walmart and then keep $450 and wire the remaining amount to someone in England. There were too many red flags for me to just do that. The person that emailed me said the check should have been like $3520.00 but it wasn’t so of course I questioned that plus there was not a number to call for questions and I have been emailing the guy back asking questions and he still never gave me a number to call. There is no way I am depositing this check into my account and paying a returned check fee, they must be crazy. No one in their right mind would send a complete srtranger money and expect them to send it back, not all people are honest to do that.
on January 2nd, 2011 at 6:57 pm
Well, they are not risking anything by sending out a bunch of forged checks, and a bunch of people will wire money to them. So they invest $100 in printing checks and sending them out, and get thousands of dollars from their victims. Pretty good return on investment, if you do not have a soul.
on January 31st, 2011 at 11:33 am
I received a check for $1900. They wanted me to deduct $250 for myself, then go to Wal-mart as a secret shopper and purchase something for $50. After that, they wanted me to western union wire the rest of the money to a women in St. Louis, Missouri. I almost fell victim, however before i went to Wal-mart, i dicided to do quick research on the alleged secret shopping job. It said that this was an scam and an illegal money laundering operation. I immediately turned the money to the police.
on January 31st, 2011 at 11:43 am
Good move! Glad you didn’t get scammed.
on February 22nd, 2011 at 6:23 pm
Just received a check for $1980. Same story as the above postings. At first I was excited and thought money was raining from the heavens and I could pay for my child’s college.
My first instinct was to Google the company and this site popped up.
The letter was posted from Canada, the company is in NY and the check comes from Citibank, Delaware.
Thanks to this website I was not burnt.
People, beware of these horrid scams, especially in these hard times.
on February 28th, 2011 at 7:27 am
Jeceived a check for $3,995 drawn on a JPMorgan Chase N.A. of New York. It looks like a real check. The company, by the name of Murphy & Presser of New York snt a very official looking letter in which they offered a part time job at $500 per week to work as a Mystery Shopper.They also wished that I go to certain stores, like JCPenney, Lowe’s, fast food places like Wendy’s and spend up to $200.00 and keep all receipts, which than should be turned in with the Evaluation Form which they also ‘kindly’ provided. The letter came from Canada and the ‘phone # they have provided is a Montreal number. Of course after they generously offered the $500 salary and the spending money, they wanted to have the balance of $3,135
be sent to a Mary Basilio in Madrid Spain. This is the 3rd occasion that we were targeted in the last 4 months. The first one was a letter advising us that we have won money through Publisher;s Clearing House and the letter was signed with photograph and all by the official Presenter who goes around surprising the true winners. The other was something similar from Las Vegas. Of course in each case they just wanted that money be sent by Western Union to a person in Maryland. These scams are committed by ruthless scumbags, they prey on people especially now in these hard times, they should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I hope the long arm of the law will get them and put them away for a long, long time.
on February 28th, 2011 at 8:21 am
Received a check for $3,995 drawn on JPMorgan Chase N.A. of New York. It looks like a real check. The company, by the name of Murphy & Presser of New York sent a very official looking letter in which they offered a part time job at $500 per week to work as a Mystery Shopper. They also wished that I go to certain stores, like JCPenney, Lowe’s, fast food places like Wendy’s and spend up to $200.00 and to keep all receipts, which than should be turned in with the Evaluation Form which they also ‘kindly’ provided. The letter came from Canada and the ‘phone # they have provided is a Montreal number. Of course after they generously offered $500 salary and the spending money, they wanted to have the balance of $3,135 be sent to a Mary Basilio in Madrid, Spain.
This is the 3rd time that we have been targeted in the last 4 months. The first one was a letter advising us that we have won money from Publishers Clearing House and the letter was signed with photograph and all by the official Presenter
who goes around surprising the true winners. The other was something similar from Las Vegas. Of course in each case they just wanted that money be sent by Western Union to a person in Maryland. These scams are committed by ruthless scumbags, they prey on people especially now in these hard times, they should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I hope the long arm of the law will get them and put them away for a long, long time.
on February 28th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
I recieved a letter in the mail yesterday $1980.00. All the same information as you all are describing above. Mine was drawn on Citibank so I called to verufy funds and of course the check is no good. If we all do our due dillagence in these cases and check and double check before we destroy ourseleves financially behind garbage these people will fade away. They are counting on folks being desperate in these difficult economic time and they are preying on it. God bless us all and keep talking about it, only good can come from it.
on February 28th, 2011 at 3:29 pm
Scams thrive in good times and bad because there are always people who want to believe they can get something for nothing (or almost nothing). Not only is it important to question an offer that seems too good to be true, it is important to ask the right questions. Calling the phone number supplied with the check to ask if it is legitimate will not get you good information. Scammers will lie. Calling the bank or issuing company listed on the check (verify the phone number online or in the telephone directory, and don’t call a phone number on the check), as Ayana did, is a better way to verify.
Of course, when someone sends you thousands of dollars out of nowhere, you should start with the assumption that the check is not valid and someone is trying to scam you.
on March 6th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
I was reading this website and noticed the comment from Michele L. on Sept. 10, 2010. She got one from Donald Anderson. Well, I just opened an email from Donald Anderson (I don’t know from where.) concerning an opening for a mystery shopper. He has a different email address: amrdonald@aol.com. The thing that I noticed . . that really hit me was that it wasn’t really addressed to me. . . it’s addressed to 30 different assorted Billies, and all of them using hotmail. That means they are fishing–they don’t know who they are looking for, so it definitely isn’t me. First he said cash would be sent. Then he changed it to the company usually sends a check I can cash and use for the assignment. The mystery shopper gets paid $400 plus all expenses of the job. But again, it wasn’t sent to me…it was sent to 30 including me. That meant something was wrong. My son told me to look it up on the internet, and when I typed in Donald Anderson mystery shoppers, it brought me here to you. Thank you very much.
on March 19th, 2011 at 2:33 pm
Just received the same email from Donald Anderson and also noticed all the other email addresses had the same beginning letters as mine and all at hotmail. I will send it to our local tv station to alert others of this scam.
on March 19th, 2011 at 2:50 pm
These comments both mention a clue to determining if something is a spam email: Other recipients of the email are listed and they all have similar email addresses. Billie says that all of the other recipients of the email she got were “Billie”s at Hotmail. Cheryl says that all of the other recipients of the scam spam she got were Hotmail addresses beginning with the same letters as her Hotmail address. That is a sure sign that they are using a segment of a purchased list of addresses or perhaps generating random email addresses that may exist at Hotmail.
on March 20th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
I just opened another email from Donald Anderson (this time email is raymonhotim55@aol.com). It includes a file # for some reason. This time he the wage is $600 weekly, but then goes on to say the payment is $300 per assignment. He’s also asking for a whole lot more information than he did on the last email. I’m not answering either one.
on March 23rd, 2011 at 1:46 pm
my aunt received the check in the mail,opened it up when she got to work,the letter as well as the check looked legitimate. she came home looked at the check again,saw the waterproof marks inside,but when she stepped outside she ignored that because she was strapped for cash she was certain this was a real check from a real company. she then noticed how the address had no zip code,all the signs where in front of her that this was fraud but she still ignored. all she thought about was the bills that had to get paid. she had to complete the assignments within 48hrs of receiving the business letter,her first task was to send 1500 to london,england,that right there was another sign that something was fishy,but she choose to ignore the 3rd time. she saw that after she gave them 1500 that she would have 500 to herself,she went ballistic lol,she went crazy she was soo happy she was so happy she was gonna be able to pay bills and fix up the house,she went shopping the next day!! so after she faxed everything off,she called the man,she called 7-8 times in the whole period of receiving the letter,the guy spoke with a heavy accent and his name was MIKE,ok wat indian or west indies man has the name of MIKE CAMPBELL??? she ignored that also..but back to the story..she asked me to look up the company online and i did,we couldnt find anything about them,the address was to the hilton hotel,the number was to some phone company i canada,and now they dont ans the phone. she called her bank,and became mentally unstable lol..her account was almost 1700 overdrawn,she found out that it isnt considered fraud bc she herself cashed the check,shes been with the bank for 1yr and a haff,theyre working out a payment plan,she has to cancel all her direct deposit checks and get a new bank account,but she is going to fight for it to get everything correct..if she wouldve came to me once she recieved the check instead of being soo fast and greedy for the money i wouldve convinced her not to the check. but lessoned learn lol,she’ll nvr do that again,never cash any checks that you recieve in the mail and you dont kno the company and nerver co-sign..:)
on April 22nd, 2011 at 12:02 pm
can you send me the list of companies that are legitimate. i myself was just scammed out of 2,000.00 and im having problems with the bank because they now think that we kept the money and calling us theives instead of the victim …thanks
on April 22nd, 2011 at 12:46 pm
There is a list of nearly 200 legitimate mystery shopping companies at http://MysteryShoppersManual.com/mystery-shopping-companies
on May 12th, 2011 at 7:14 am
I was scam 3 weeks ago, from 2 companies out of canada, one phone area code 289, and the other one 514, I am writing because last week the lady call me to see had the check cleared, I told her the check was no good. I had been scam the week before from the area code number 289, and I am now out of 1895.00, I am in the process of getting my letter from the bank and going to the sheriff department. I writing you this letter, because, they did send me this letter stating they where Secret mystery shoppers, I got phone numbers, straight and direct, to there scammers, plus it is on my phone bill also, stating these number is out of canada. I think these 2 area code # are working together, because, right after I wired the money from the first scammer the 2nd wrote me 1 week later with a 3995.00 check, Now I have the letters, that both so call companies sent me. and a copy of each check was sent to me. I have phone numbers that goes direct to the scammers, and i have 1-800 # that goes straight to their so call business, and the answering service states their name, I also have a copy of there fax numbers, where I fax all sales reciepts to them. I make a copy and keep a record of everything i do. I would love to see these people get caught. It seem that I am smart, but I did get scam. I am hoping I can get my money recovered but it looks like a loss cause. Telling you this may help someone else. Remember this just happen 3 weeks ago to me, and I am hoping the law enforcement help me I just turn in everything to them yesterday, after i go all letters from my bank stating, that these was bad checks, The bank itself cash the 1st check and the 2nd check was put on a 7 day hold , which they told me they should have done the 1st time. Now my bank wants their money, and I don’t have it. Here i am just like many others scam, out of money i don’t have.
on May 12th, 2011 at 9:18 am
Gloria, I am so sorry this happened to you. There are lots of low-life types out there willing to take other people’s money. The records you kept may help law enforcement track them down, but these people do not operate like businesses do. They use disposable cell phones and other methods of not being traced. That is one reason you think that you dealt with two different groups. They change contact information frequently.
Unfortunately, it is unlikely that you will get any of your money back. Your best bet is to work with your bank.
I am appalled at how lax both the banks and the wire services are about this. This scam (and similar ones) finds new victims everyday.
on May 27th, 2011 at 11:19 am
Hi Cathy
I am a new mystery shopper. How do we know when we are getting a ligitamit check. and not waste our time working for a fraudulant company? All these comment frighten me, I am a senior and can not afford to loose money. I am doing this to make money? Can you help?
on May 27th, 2011 at 11:42 am
If they send you a check BEFORE you do any work, it is a scam. And anyone who asks you to wire money to someone you do not know is scamming you, no matter what they call it.
Unsolicited emails from companies to which you have not applied are usually scams. Stick to applying to legitimate mystery shopping companies and only working with them.
on June 6th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
I am glad I found this site. I just got a check in the mail from a company in Canada asking me to deposit a check for 2392.46. $300 of would be mine to keep, but I had to spend 30 at walmart, 30 at best buy and the wire 1860 back to some person I don’t even know. They got my information from my resume online as I am looking for a new job. The envelope didn’t have a return address. The bank was real..but they refused to verify if the check was real. They told me that I would have to go to the bank and have them call to verify the check..I have never heard of that before!
on June 6th, 2011 at 5:54 pm
Amber, as you know now, it is definitely a scam. I’m glad you checked it out–that was the smart thing to do.
on July 12th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
Not sure what i should do i am feeling really stupid about now i also recieved a check to be deposited with sending some money and keeping the balance as payment i called the numbers on the letter and check the lady i spoke to told me it would take at least 3 days to clear the check and not to send until it cleared all seemed legit they didn’t ask for any of my money nor did they ask for my bank account information so i deposited the check but after thinking about it i looked online to make sure the company was real it was a real company however it stated no know website which added another flag so i started searching names and numbers so from canada so from gorgia the company is based in illonois another flag went up so i started searching for scams and found you so now what should i do about the deposited check and am i already in trouble for depositing it i did not take any out nor did i send anything HELP!!!!
on July 12th, 2011 at 10:26 pm
Do not withdraw any money. Notify your bank that you were the victim of a scam and the check you deposited is not valid. You shouldn’t be in any trouble, but tell the bank the check is bad before they find out by having it returned.
on July 27th, 2011 at 2:04 pm
I received a letter yesterday informing me that I was selected as a Mystery Shopper. Across the letter it has the word confidential. The amount of the check was $3994. I called the number on the letter for a Lisa Johnson @ 1-514-662-5947. She answered and put me on hold to activate the check. She returned and told me it may take serveral days for it to post. I asked her why would I deposit money in my account and wire a partial of it to other people. She says this is the reason we use activation process so we know where the check was deposited and pursue a lawsuit for the amount of the money that should have been sent using Western Union or Moneygram. I called my bank asap and was told to go to the Better Business Bureau and find out if the company was legitamate. Of course, it wasn’t. I called Lisa back and told her this information. She put me on hold for so long I had to hung up. We talking SCAM and the funny thing about it is, this happen to me a couple weeks ago. I called the number on that letter and asked him why did he sendi out a fake cashier check. He hung up on me before I could get check out. I pray these people get caught and that the banks, police & FBI help those people who are getting scammed instead of..especially the banks accusing the customer of thief.
on August 30th, 2011 at 10:53 am
I recieved a fed ex package 2 money orders today from united states postal service to do some secret shopping they want me to western union 1360 to another person use 130 for the fee foe the western union and 200 of its mine and 50 to shop at walmart. i dont know if its a scam idk what to do i signed up to do this job just kinda nervous they called me from 5617052894 if anyone has been in this same situation pls let me know before i do it
on August 30th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
Yes, it is a scam. Do not cash the money orders, they are counterfeit. Best case, if you cash the money orders and wire the money you are out all of the money. Worst case, you get arrested and go to jail for passing forged money orders.
Do not cash the money orders. Do not contact the scammer. Turn everything over to the Postal Inspector (although they were not sent via the USPS, they are forged USPS money orders). If the scammers call you, do not argue with them. Tell them you decided not to do the job. Tell them that your bank refused the cash the money orders and called the police on you. Tell them anything or nothing. But do not go any further with this. It is a scam. You will get burned.
on November 8th, 2011 at 12:41 am
WOW!!! I’m very happy to have found this website.
I got a check in the mail last week for secret shopper. It was for $2,400.00. I looked at the check then I said to my boyfriend what the hell is this. I think this a scam. He said well show this to my mom and ask her what she thinks of it. I showed her and I said, to her I really think this is a scam. She said I don’t know so I put the letter and the check in a bag in my room.
Then yesterday in the mail I got another one. It was for 1,993.00. I said to my boyfriend damn I got another check. He looked at it and said do it. I said, well look at it. He said, what’s wrong with it. I said people have been scam using Western Union and I don’t like them. He said, so you get $ 350 for doing it. I put that check in the bag with the other one.
I keep thinking about the 2 checks all day and said to myself i’m gonna google this. What know this site came up and I said thank God I did not cash both checks. I could have used money as I’m I read some of the stories on here and some people have big losses for this. I’m happy that I trusted my gut and didn’t do anything. I will let people know that the checks are scams and DON’T fall for it.
on November 8th, 2011 at 8:36 am
I’m glad you found us, too!
A lot of people want to believe that the checks are real, because they need the money. Unfortunately for them, the checks are never real and they end up in a worse financial situation than before they got the checks.
Good for you for researching this and not becoming a victim!
on November 8th, 2011 at 6:41 pm
Yes, I’m soo happy that I did. I told my boyfriend this morning that I trashed the checks and he said, why the hell did you do that. We need that money. I showed his website and he was like damn. He said I’m sorry Tiffany I didn’t know. I said its okay I didn’t know too. I told him and everyone in the house if any of you get something in the mail from Canada and you find a check in it. Rip it up and DON”T believe it. I even called my mom to worn her. She a single mom and taking care of my brother, who has many disabilities. She needs all the money she can get so I wanted to make sure she NEVER becomes one of the victims.
on December 1st, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Hi everyone I had just posted an ad on craigslist to sell some of my furniture and got a call from someone in New York (I live in GA) saying that she was the assistant and her boss would like to know if the sofa was still for sale of course I said yes she asked for my email so I gave it to her therafter I got this email.
Hello
This is Mr Meyer i just contacted you and since the price is okay by me and its good to go i will like to pay for it and my mode of payment will be via CERTIFIED CHECK which you can cash instantly at your bank,the payment will be sent down to your place via ups courier service.
About the shipping there is no need for you to worry about that because i will have my personal shipping agent sent down to your residence for the pick up and inspection but i will need your help in remitting the shippers fee because I have not gotten in contact with the shipping agent for sometime now so what i want to do is that i will add excess fund i mean include his payment together with yours and once you have received the check,Cashed instantly at your bank,Then you will deduct your payment and have the rest paid to the shipping agent via WESTERN UNION as soon as i have him located ok,he will be able to make arrangement to take his flight to ur resident and pickup then ship.So if this is ok by you i would want you to provide me with the below information which will be used to send the payment to you I hope you understand my explanation to you.
1. First and Last names(which will be issued on the CHECK )
2. House address(physical home address where UPS will deliver payment too)
3. Phone number.(incase i need to contact you urgently)
I will be waiting for the details so that i can mail the payment to you.Thanks and GOD bless you
So i decided to google the name cause this all sounded fishy to me and first thing I see is that someone else got a check from this person and it was all a scam. Good thing I decided to check this first. Just wanted to post this so that other people can be aware of this type of scam. Do not cash a check from anyone you dont know period. Protect yourself.
on December 7th, 2011 at 8:17 pm
Hi,
I just received a check in the mail via UPS Express. The envelope has a cashier’s check for $2,850.99 from US bank. The remitter is someone named Severien Meyer. I am so glad for these posts that let’s me know this is a scam. I have no intention of attempting to take this check to the bank!
on December 29th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
I just received a letter and cheque yesterday as I had signed up online to become a Mystery Shopper in our area. It sounded too good to be true and it was. The cheque was for almost $4000.00 and I was to spend $100.00 at Walmart and then evaluate the store. the second assignment I was to do was to wire to transactions from Money Gram to people in the US. I got ahold of the compnay whos name was on the cheque and I also called the RCMP. Thank God I didnt try to cash the cheque. They are now investigating the fraudsters. Go Get “em Guys!!!!
on December 29th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
Good job! I am glad you didn’t get caught up in the scam.
Anyone wanting to mystery shop should stick to applying to reputable companies (such as these: http://MysteryShoppersManual.com/mystery-shopping-companies ). Do not respond to spam email solicitations. And, of course, NEVER wire money to anyone you do not know.
on December 30th, 2011 at 12:14 am
My husband received a check for 1990- same instructions or assignments cash check and western union. He did and once it “cleared” he sent it to find out it didn’t clear. Merry Christmas to Matthew Rock in London England because we just scammed out of almost $2000. Just out looking to see if we have any recourse and it doesn’t look like it. The worst part about it is my husband did this behind my back. He’s been unemployed and was hoping to get some extra money for Christmas- a very sad situation. We will all face judgement someday and karma is an awful thing this will come back to these people one way or another.
on January 9th, 2012 at 3:52 pm
I got a check that was from North Carolina, the letter with it had Canadian phone numbers, the guy that answered the phone spoke with a very heavy Mid east accent, and the envelope had a Texas return address. I figured it was fishy but non-the-less went to my local Western union to see if it real or not, the woman that helped me with it knew it was fake and point blank asked me if I had gotten it in the mail and if they(the company that sent it) were requesting I send money back. She still called the bank that was on the check and they never heard of the person that signed it. I’m glad to see that the signer has been punished for it.
on January 21st, 2012 at 6:43 pm
Just got the same letter in the mail as everybody else. Secret Shopper. Spend money at Walmart, Home Depot and send $1600 via Western Union. The red flag for me was: why would a company need to ask you to send LARGE amounts of money just to test Western Union? WU charges like 9%, so if this was a real company, they would be FLUSHING away money with EVERY transaction. That is just stupid, and stupid companies don’t do business with Walmart. I will report to law enforcement ASAP.
on March 14th, 2012 at 11:34 am
*WARNING* The same thing happened wit me. INSTRUCTIONS : Deposit a check for almost $4000 into my account. Spend $100 at Walmart Sears or Home Depot and keep my purchase then evaluate their customer service. Send $2000 to a “Shadow Shopper” in Spain via Western Union $1000 To another in New York via Money Gram and fill out the survey with questions like “what questions did the agent ask?” How many pieces of ID did they ask for?” and to keep it “CONFIDENTIAL”. Finally I was supposed to keep $500 for myself and fax the information back stating whether I wanted to be a part-time or permanent employee. I was skeptical but knowing that i just recently applied to be a Shadow Shopper I said let me see what happens. Went to my bank branch they attempted to deposit the check then came to me and told me the check was fake and they couldn’t process certify or return the check to me. Phew thank u TD Canada Trust. i then called the agents and a couple times and each time the same dude answered the phone and said they’d have their security department give me and the bank a call (yeah right). Thankfully I bank with an institution that does their research so i don’t have to otherwise for lack of a better word I would have been F*c**d. be careful people because this all looks very professional and believable. *WARNING*
on March 29th, 2012 at 12:52 pm
Unfortunately, my husband and I both fell pray to this horrible scam yesterday and we are now paying $1880.00 for it! We received a USPS Express Mail envelope from a person in Dumfries, VA (I will nit use her name as I’m afraid that she too has been used as an alias which is causing her to be a victim of mail fraud) and two USPS Money Orders totaling $1880.00. I then received an email from Harry4Brown@hotmail.com, with the same type instructions and to use $50 to shop Walmart, then keep $200 as my commission, then send $1492 with the $140 fee to another person named Daniel Martinez in Beaverton, Oregon who would be the next mystery shopper. Unfortunately, we didn’t find this website until today, after our idiotic teller at our bank went ahead and cashed the money orders even after questioning whether or not a money order issued by a Federal USPS could be fraudulent. She assured us that in no way could that ever happen so we trusted her and trusted that whatever machine she ran it through would be able to detect or prevent this from happening…..we watched her specifically NOT look or hold them up to the light to check the watermark but we thought once again….she knew what she was doing and could catch this! Evidently, Employees at this particular bank that we are actually going to LEAVE b/c of the way they have handled this, have no idea how to handle this type of thing nor do they care about YOUR monetary loss!! It’s a sad situation but we are just now going through the motions trying to get everything reported and hopefully with all of the agencies and law authority that we have contacted….they will be able to see the surveillance cameras and hopefully detect This AWFUL THIEF!!!! Wish we could wring his/her neck personally for all the inconveniences and trouble they’ve caused us….:-( so frustrated and feel so darn stupid for falling for this!!!
on June 22nd, 2012 at 11:38 am
Received sealed envelope with only PO Box, City & State. No indication of company name on envelope. Opened envelope, unfolded letter and out fell a cashier’s check. Letter indicated mystery shopping, but being a suspicious person I conducted some research on my own. I noticed the meter stamp on envelope indicating it was post dated in Canada, the texture on check felt odd and I verified additional fake information by search results obtained from the phone numbers, Company Name on letter, financial center name, etc… Things to watch for: addresses, phone numbers, City and State. The numbers provided indicated a land line in California, the 1-800 is a toll free number, but these numbers can be purchased and was unable to verify the so call fax number. The name or signature on the fake check apparently has appeared in previous check scams. Always conduct research even if it is time consuming to prevent from becoming a victim.
on June 22nd, 2012 at 1:06 pm
Denise, those are all smart moves. One reason that scammers succeed is that victims take what they say at face value. Don’t trust ‘em!
on July 27th, 2012 at 10:38 pm
i have to admit that i also got scammed in 2008 don’t remember the exact month and i lost $1600.00 it was my xmas money i am glad these people got arrested but it doesn’t bring my money back still angry with them but mostly with myself for allowing them to do this to me
on August 6th, 2012 at 9:14 pm
I got a 950.00 money order from so called, Shadow Shoppers.
They should be legit, they were on Good Morning America. I thought it was a scam, because I was to Cash it and then send
175.00 to someone through Western Union and Keep 150.00 for myself. Red Flags went up. E-Mail was from David. I tore up the money order, and gave the letters and instructions to the police. Great big scam.
on August 6th, 2012 at 9:22 pm
Yesterday I received a postal Money Order for 950.00 From Shadow Shoppers, it said. Also, insturctions to cash it in the
bank, Take 150.00 for my fee, and send 175.00 By Western Union to another person. Then an E-Mail from David. Please,
this has scam all over it. Why would someone send you money, before you did any work for them. Money order and letter in the trash.
on August 6th, 2012 at 9:31 pm
Yep, it is a scam. Glad you spotted it and didn’t get caught in the scam.
on August 29th, 2012 at 9:04 am
I recieved a check from Select Foods Inc for 3750.53, I would keep 500 training pay 100 for purchases, trf 2900. pay western union 250.53 for the trf send funds of 2900 to Gail Rakler in Spain Madrid
Glad I checked this out
on August 29th, 2012 at 9:37 am
Sherry, I am glad you checked it out, too! Smart move!
on November 6th, 2012 at 11:49 pm
I saw a job ad in the Washington Post for a possible secret shopper job (I had to apply, they did not contact me first through an email). The ad in the paper asked to send my resume to admin@secretshopperinc.us, which I did. I got back a questionaire to fill out & send back, which I did. Then they say they will send me a check (use $300 would be for my services, the rest should be used for the job) and details about the assignment. It sounds like a scam–I have not received the check yet–but it is not coming from a general email address. I’m trying to research it before I go any further. Thoughts?
on November 7th, 2012 at 12:10 am
Elizabeth, it is a scam. No question about it.
There does not appear to be a website at secretshopperinc.us, so if the email address you provided is correct they are using this domain for email only. That is not something a legitimate company would do.
The giveaway, though, is that they are sending you a check BEFORE you do any work. SCAM. Always. Do not deal with these people. Do not cash the check. Turn it over to law enforcement or shred it.
on November 7th, 2012 at 10:39 pm
Thanks. I got another email advising to wire money. The minute I saw that, it was just confirmation in my mind it was a scam. I am trying to report it to the FTC now. I have no actual papers to shred yet since I haven’t received the check. I also did my homework and went to the Shadow Shopper website. I was just waiting for proof before I filed a complaint.
on November 14th, 2012 at 6:24 am
I am so amazed at how many stories there are about these “check scams” on this site alone, I had a huge letter I just erased because I came to realize it was probably going to make a lot of people mad. I couldn’t bring myself to post it so I’ll just say this: IF ITS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS!!! and if your not sure just deposit the check and wait till it clears before you touch any funds. If the check doesn’t clear or comes up as a fraud, you have done nothing wrong and cannot be held accountable. If you cash it than you are financially and quite possibly legally responsible for the bad or fraudulent check.
on January 6th, 2013 at 10:20 pm
So got an automated text msg from a company called Vision One:
“While you continue your job search, start working today as a Mystery Shopper! We pay $100/assignment. Check your email now for preapproval”
There was a second one right after:
“This msg was sent by VisionOne. Msg/Data rates may apply. Reply STOP to block this number.”
Then I checked my email. It was addressed to me with my first and last name.(posting here using my cell so sorry if it appears hard to read)
Gmail
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InboxArchive
Re: Customer Service Evaluator Position
12/23/12
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Vision One Research Group
to me
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Vision One Research Group
Dear “my name was here”
We have have decided to offer you the opportunity to work with our firm as an independent customer service evaluator since you originally indicated interest in a customer service related position last week with us. This opening which can also be referred to as an “independent mystery shopper” is on a temporarily hire contract basis.
The opportunity will enable you generate an income stream while you continue your job search in your actual field of expertise.
I thought it would be ideal to feed you in about the opportunity of working with VisionOne as a discreet customer service evaluator.
Our acceptance process is broken down into two major stages particularly for this position.
Firstly, you will have to officially register your interest to pursue the proposed opportunity by visiting our application website at http://visiononeresearch.wix.com/apply
Click on the “COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION FORM” button and fill out the necessary fields. Once submitted, you can expect a quick follow up telephone call from us acknowledging the receipt of your submission and confirming acceptance of your full intent to pursue the position and entire opportunity.
Regardless though, you will still be required to conduct some probationary assignment prior to commencing full operations with us. This stands as the second stage of our acceptance process prior to becoming a full independent representative.
Just before I proceed further, I’d like to give you a brief but detailed insight about us and your new position.
VisionOne is a customer service evaluation firm representing some of the world’s finest corporations. Since 2001, we have worked side by side with corporations to help them improve their level of customer service.
Our clientele base includes restaurants, retail stores, casinos, financial institutions, hotels, resorts and more. In order to continually provide a fresh perspective for our clients, we hire prospective independent contract secret shoppers on an ongoing basis.
As you already know, performing secret shops is a great way for you to make additional income while helping companies to improve their level of customer service. VisionOne offers 600+ secret shop assignments each month across more than 12 industries.
We endeavour to only work with individuals with a keen eye for details, who are extremely conscientious and responsible in honouring commitments. Currently at this stage, we will expect you to be able to meet deadlines, follow detailed instructions and communicate fact-based reports to provide our clients with helpful data at all times.
We have handpicked you to participate in few probationary assignments to test your communication, punctuality, attention to details, confidentiality, ability to follow directions and ability to work independently. This enables us to build an internal work ethic profile for you prior to offering you a full contract.
Compensation per assignment will remain at the standard rate of $100.00 each during the entire two weeks probationary period.
We will provide ten (10) assignments in total within the next two weeks. The assignments will be sent in the following order; (3,3,3,1) with the deadlines set by your campaign coordinator individually.
We have proposed the first batch of three assignments to commence the probationary period. Seven (7) subsequent assignments will follow in the order earlier mentioned above.
• WALMART: We will create a few scenarios to enable you evaluate customer service levels and agent’s product knowledge at a local store while posing as a customer. Instructions and guidelines will be provided by your coordinator. This is a two phase assignment including a detailed role playing scenario.
• METRO: You will pose as a regular customer making purchases at a local store to enable you determine service levels and employee product knowledge. You will get to keep items purchased during this visit as an incentive. This is also a two phase assignment including a detailed role playing scenario. Further instructions will be provided by your coordinator.
• CANADIAN TIRE: You will pose as a regular customer while making purchase at a local store to determine service levels. You will get to keep item(s) purchased during this visit as an incentive. Further instructions on budget and roles will be provided by your coordinator.
During these assignments, we require you to also rate store cleanliness, ease of purchase, and general performance of the particular employee/employees that attended to you. You will complete an evaluation form or report your findings directly to me.
We will also require you to fax your receipts to the office for verification purposes. Remember that confidentiality is the key and you cannot identify yourself as a secret shopper at any point during this task.
We will provide funds needed to enable you pose as a regular customer and pay for all in-store purchases while out on your scheduled tasks, and also include a pre-calculation of your estimated net income for all ten assignments in the probationary period as one lump sum cheque.
Due to the discreet nature of the position and our services, your initial cheque will be issued by RO&B Group. This is only to disguise and protect your identity as a mystery shopper with our firm.
These proposed assignments are ready for immediate commencement so upon receiving this email, visit the application and acceptance website mentioned above and type in your temporary representative identification number which is 7364098 and then fill out the online form.
Once the form is received, we will contact you to discuss the earliest commencement date. For now, we would like you to commence on the initial assignments tomorrow, so it is imperative that you follow the instructions in this email immediately.
Congratulations on this pre-acceptance and we look forward to having you fully on board.
Sincerely,
Diane Wells
(HR Head of Operations)
This email was sent by Vision One Research Group at 33 Riverside Drive E, Suite 1801 Windsor, ON N9A 2S4.
Sceptical, I blew it off as a scam. Received a call from a Diane Wilson (519-997-2324) after a short conversation with me telling her I figured it was a scam, I figured I would play along. She said I would receive a package by Purolator Courier in the mail. I did several days later. In it was a cheque for $1470.00. by the company stated in the email. There was an “Evaluation ” form which she said was to be used as a guide and that my actual evaluations were to be done by calling her after the shop was completed. I was very sceptible at this point especially because of the cheque. (NEVER mystery shopped before) But continued to play along. (at this point I have not deposited the cheque ) First job was at Walmart near my house, permitted limit to spend was $40.00. Figured I needed a few things anyhow so not a waste. Did the shop, called her and gave her the shop results. She then said, phase 2 of the 1st campaign was to test out their Western Union. Role play scenario. (claim my sister is stranded in the states (I’m in Canada) and I need to send her money for a plane ticket home she said to pick a place like for example, Buffalo NY. $850USD. Then after sending it, the company would cancel it the next day so the funds could be reimbursed as the money is needed for future campaigns. At this point, I told her I had not yet deposited the cheque. She said to do that then call back. I’m now super suspicious but went to my bank to check it out. Asked the teller if there was a way to determine if the cheque was legit, she said it appeared so. I told her I was wary of it and to please hold the funds on it until it cleared. Called Diane and left a message, to tell her the bank held it and funds would not be available for 5 business days. Checked my account online and it showed the funds as “available “. Called the 24 hour bank line and asked about that, he said no hold appears and that the funds were available. I told him I just deposited it and requested a hold, he said it didn’t have one but if I was worried, not to spend the money and check back in a couple days. I called the bank again the next day thinking dude was wrong, person checked again, no hold funds available. I thought hmmnn maybe it is real. So called Diane and left a message saying I could proceed on Monday. I have plans to first go to my bank and speak to a teller as well as a manager about the cheque. I figure I can always say to Diane that I was mistaken and funds are still on hold. (STALL tactic) Funny I got a call from her from a different number tonight (Sunday ) 519-997-2354. She said she was catching up on voicemails, asked if I remembered what the role play is, I told her Yes, I wrote it down. Plans are for me to call her tomorrow before I’m ready. Okay. So as planned I’m going room the bank check things out, I will post an update.
I Called 411 and checked for a Vision One in Windsor, Ontario, no listing.
Address at the bottom of the email I received shows up as a Travel Lodge hotel when Google mapped.
on January 6th, 2013 at 10:48 pm
This is a scam. It is always a scam. Even if the bank releases funds to you, it does not mean that the check has cleared or that it is good. The check is not good and that will be discovered after you send the money off.
NEVER wire money to someone you do not know, for any reason. It is always a scam.
on January 6th, 2013 at 10:49 pm
James, just cashing the check can land you in jail. It is illegal to pass a bad check. Although you might not be convicted, you can certainly be arrested. Many people have. The checks are never good.
on January 6th, 2013 at 11:35 pm
Cathy,
I realize my post was lengthy to read. The woman did not request that I send money to anyone in particular, I am to make up a name. I also stated I have not “cashed” the cheque, I deposited it but told the teller to hold it and said I was unsure that it was valid. It was her that suggested to hold it. I plan to go to the bank in the morning to get an update.
on January 6th, 2013 at 11:50 pm
Susan, it doesn’t matter what the bank tells you, it doesn’t matter what the scammer tells you. This is a SCAM. These are always scams. The check is not valid, even if the bank gives you money.
If the bank tells you that the check is good, ask them to give you a signed, notarized document that says that if the check is later found to be fraudulent they will not seek repayment from you. They won’t.
The bank has no skin in this game. It is all on you. When the check is found to be a fraud, they will make you repay the money you wired to the scammer. DO NOT withdraw any cash and wire it to anyone. It is a scam.
I have seen this hundreds and hundreds of times. If you want to believe that this is genuine, then I guess I can’t convince you otherwise. But when you have lost the $850 plus fees you will lose in this round of the scam, please remember that you were warned and chose to ignore the warning.
on January 7th, 2013 at 12:10 am
Sorry, I thought I was clear in my original post. I am “playing along” and have no intention on sending any money to anyone unless the cheque is cleared by my bank, even then, I have not been told to send it to anyone in particular by this woman, meaning they said to make up a name and place. I’m not one who has lost any money, and have no intention on touching the money at this point. I posted here to help others who may find this site looking for information.
on March 10th, 2013 at 3:47 pm
we came back from a trip to cuba on jan 28 2013 when we picked up the mail there was a cheque from a company in missauga ontario it was addressed to my wife to do secret shopping it was for over 8000.00 she was to keep 500.00 for her training fees the company name on the cheque was genrec in mississauga ontario but the letter said to call before the check could be released she was to send so much to one person and so much to another via western union and spend so much at so many stores i called and the lady with east indian accent said call back later she was busy we just threw it out but i wish i had sent it to the rcmp instead i also receive at least 5 emails per day from someone wanting me to be inherit on behalf of some dead millionaire or won some stupid lottery or even one from the fbi saying that my money is now being released but they always want my name and address along with my phone number i usually give false info and tell them that it is attached to my real name and i work with my personal credit protection company to nail all you fraud artist and when you run this name you will be arrested and charged