Secret Shopper

I was sent a package from United State Postal Service with a money order in the amount of $980.00. I was told to go cash money order, keep 120.00 for myself and take it to a nearby Western Union and send the money to the name they provided minus what the cost was to send it Western Union. Upon doing that, I was to provide a confirmation control number and my experience with the shop to the person who sent me the money order. Upon doing that, I was told another one was on it's way and to then go to a different Western Union and do the same type of shop. That sounded very fishy, I took the money order to my friend who owns a store and he did some research and found out that the money order was fraudulent.

I am now waiting for the local District Attorneys office to open so I can take all of my information to them to do something about this. Also, my bank says when the money order comes back not valid, I am on the hook for over 1k and they may close the account I have had for over 20 years due to fraud. Nice. Great way to appreciate your customer. Thank you Bank of America. They wouldn't even help me in this matter at all. Not to set up the person behind all of this. Nothing.

I had applied for a mystery shopper position. An envelop with instructions and a check arrived. I followed the instructions, deposited the check, after checking the bank and routing numbers online, everything was valid. So, I thought. After 4 days later, the money was available for withdrawal, and everything was good. So, I withdrew less then asked to do. Everything appeared to be okay.

The following week, my account was frozen and I received a call from a Chase rep in NY and was told I deposited a fraudulent check, and told I was liable. The amount I was told I owed was considerably higher then what I took out. All my money is gone too, from the account to my bank. I think the banks trying to possibly take advantage of me. I'm unemployed which I told to the rep, and have no benefits coming in. I don't know that do do.

I applied to the Admin. Asst. position on Craigslist for Youngstown, Ohio. I received a couple of emails in regards to verifying my info. I was asked for my name, address, phone and email. Then I received an email that I was going to receive my 1st assignment soon and to check my email and phone often. Today, I received a text to check my email.

My email stated that I will be receiving a USPS package tomorrow and it will be a check. I was instructed to cash it - take 150 bucks for my self and take the remainder to my closest Western Union to do a mystery shopper. I was instructed to send the remaining money to receiver's name : Ray ** , address: **, city: Manila, zip code: 1000, country: Philippines, and report back to the company with a report of how my experience was.

I googled part of the email and quickly found out this is a scam. The email stated that I was expected to have this done today and email them back with results with the following information after I have the funds wired to **/Tonia Smith Mystery Shopping Consultancy. I am seeking part time work and don't have time for scams like this and if i would have went through with this, I would have ruined my financial position. People are pretty mean!

First, I wish I would have researched more before taking two postal money orders which I believed to be authentic and deposited them into my own personal bank account. I did have some concern so I purposely did not do anything with the funds for 5 business days to ensure they would clear. After I believed it was legitimate I did Western Union funds to Manila, Philippines as directed in the emails after completing evaluations on Wal-Mart and Western Union.

I am a college graduate and considered myself smarter than to be taken across by some scam artists, but I was taken and now owe my bank over $1000. To top it off I received two more postal money orders in the mail today with further instructions to Western Union funds to the same place. I have sent numerous emails threatening to contact authorities, attorney generals office, etc., but have not received any response of course. I feel stupid and frustrated that there seems to be no resolution to my error.

I read today the case of Shawna from South Charleston and her troubling experience with mystery shopping. While Shawna's case is troubling in many ways, I was also disturbed about the short article ins which Shawna's case is portrayed. In particular, the wording choice in the lead paragraph is one I feel I need to address: "Four years ago the "mystery shopper scam" was widespread. Consumers were recruited to shop at stores, thinking they were going to get cash and merchandise, just for giving their opinions of the products and services. Apparently, the scam hasn't gone away completely. " This is how the paragraph reads.

Over the past decades, mystery shopping has grown into a valid industry, governed by rules, codes of ethics and its own associations to which many of the large mystery shopping companies belong globally. There can be no doubt that, while this industry was growing up, may cases of fraud have been reported. This was and continued to be the case with many other industries as well, be it credit cards, time shares and a plethora of so-called "great deals" that are advertised to all of us daily by phone, text message or via the internet.

For mystery shopping in particular, please allow me to state a few facts that may serve as "caveat emptor" for anyone interested in becoming a mystery shopper.

First, the industry of mystery shopping itself is legitimate. Many of the world's best known consumer, price or satisfaction incidences are based on mystery shopper practices (i.e. Stella Ratings, JD Powers just to name a few).

Second, legitimate mystery shopping companies will not hand out "cash and merchandise for free". As a shopper, you will need to go through a detailed sign-up process to ensure that your person, age and other characteristics can be matched up with client parameters. Once selected for a project, you will need to undergo a certain amount of training to successfully conclude the shop. Finally, after concluding the shop, general practice is that you will be paid within 30 days of completing the assignment. Thus, mystery shopping continues to be a great way to supplement ones income but ONLY if the potential shopper is sure to sign up with a legitimate provider. Before committing time, energy and resources to a mystery shopping endeavor, one should consult the website of the MSPA at a minimum (Mystery Shopper's Association) and research the firm one is about to engage with.

Finally, if the work you are about to do is legit and NOT a scam, do not expect to get something for nothing. While mystery shopping can be fun, there is work involved. You will have to prepare for the visit, become familiar with the questionnaire and expected behavior and after carrying out your assignment you will have to provide your findings back to the contracting mystery shopping agency.

There are today hundreds of legitimate, professional and profitable mystery shopping companies in the landscape of this industry. Therefore it is critical not dismiss mystery shopping as a scam. It is not. It is however critical that one is aware of the legitimacy of the contracting company. As an executive in a large global mystery shopping firm, I am happy to provide further insight and commentary for all interested.

Make a long story short! I got scammed! I got an e-mail about a mystery shopper, so I replied then 3-money orders, and the -e-mail telling what to do, I did. When I was done, the bank sent the money orders back to me and said that they were fake! I contacted the person via e-mail. By the time, I finally got a hold of someone about the fake money orders, three more had been sent to me, I did not cash them! I have them in my file with all of my paperwork, e-mails, receipts, money order transfer slips, everything. I contacted the F.B.I and the Vancouver state police about this. They told me to contact you about it and to contact the B.B.B. I also contacted the U.S.Marshals and my local police department. Can you help me? Please! I have to repay the bank over $3,000 so they will not press charges against me. Thank you for listening to me. Thank you. Again if you cannot help me then can you guide me in the right direction?

I was initially intrigued by an online solicitation for a "Mystery Shopper Position"available in my area. I received another email welcoming me and saying that I would soon receive my first mystery shopper assignment. Each email seemed to be from a different individual. I then received my first assignment via email saying that I would receive funds, should keep my commission, and wire the balance via Western Union to a party to be identified later. I would then be responsible for reporting on the efficiency and customer service of the Western Union office.

I was, of course, very suspicious at this point. I can see using a mystery shopper (I have in the past) at a car dealership or department store but not Western Union. Next, I received an email with a very strong tone about what was I trying to pull by not forwarding the funds as instructed, etc. Then some threatening legal mambo jumbo. I responded for the first time saying that I had not received anything. Then today, I received 2 very authentic looking US postal money orders by USPS Express Mail.

Each in the amount of $880 with a letter instructing me to deposit in my bank, keep $100 for my evaluation services ($150 if I carried out my assignment within 24 hours) and wire the balance to someone in HongKong. The sender's name on the envelope was someone new, address in Wisconsin. The signer of the instruction letter was someone new and the recipient of the funds someone else. Many names so far. Who should I turn the counterfeit money orders and info into or do I just shred them? Please advise.

I received fraudulent postal money orders to perform a customer service check on Western Union. I received 2 from Anna ** for $995 each. I also received forged from Rose ** of Belleville, New Jersey. My original contact was from David **. These money orders were cashed by me and the cash was taken for wire transfers to the local Western Union offices. These fraudulent money orders have cost me $2390.00.

I received an e-mail asking if I wanted to be a secret shopper to be paid $170.00. I was suppose to take check #2174 to the bank and cash it. They told me it was a cashiers check. It wasn't. Then Western Union the money to a Juarez ** in Chicago Illinois 60611. When I went to the bank to cash the check they told me it was not a cashiers check and it would be held against my account. I knew this was suspicious and I just took the check home. This could have been a very expensive lesson. I still have the check and the e-mail they sent me.

I was sent an email to do a mystery shop at WalMart and would be paid $50.00. I replied okay. I was then asked to do a mystery shop at Western Union. I replied no. I then received a check for $3,000.00 with instructions. I wrote and said that I want to return the check. The email went back and forth. I knew this was a scam. I called the bank and I was told that there is no such account. I went online checking the return address in Miami. The building was closed. I received another email today from this same scam artist. I hope something can be done about this. I saved all emails and the check.

I had my initial interaction with Tammy **, Operator #** for membership as a Secret Shopper $2.95 for trial 7 days, and $3.95 Web Store trial 14 days. Able to cancel anytime during trial period for full refund, otherwise, billed $49.95 per program per month. Upon visiting the website, I discovered that I would actually be paying them to work due to the requirements of dress and use of my own transportation/gas, no assignment was under 25 miles each way.

I called back within 15 to 30 minutes and cancelled with Andrew ** Operator #** who tried to sell me on other programs. My cancel #** and I was told my account would be credited within 5 to 7 business days. My account was not credited and I was billed for $49.95 causing overdraft fees to my account. Access to the website was cancelled immediately and access denied.

I spoke today with Kelly ** Operator #** who stated that Supervisor Ben ** was unavailable. Once again, I was assured that the two accounts were cancelled and the $6.90 ($2.95 + $3.95) along with the $49.95 would be credited to my account within 5 to 7 days. As to bank fees, I was told by Kelly ** to speak with my bank and have them reverse the charges. I had $70.00 in overdraft fees charged to my account causing other accounts to be returned as uncollected or overdrawn. These companies will also charge fees for funds being unavailable to collect.

I received a secret shoppers letter, I called the company, they return my call with the above numbers. First, a man called Paul called and said I will receive a call from Nancy. Nancy called and informed me to deposit the $2,980 check, and to let her know when it clears or how many days it will take, then wire money to a relative with the same last name of mine. She will be on the phone with me doing the Western Union transfer to walk me through the procedures. She is waiting for me to call her back with details as to when the check will clear. The toll free number is 1-877- #8 to reach Nancy.

My bank made copies of the letter and check after we notice it's a scam. The check is made out to me from Chicago Title Insurance Company, Bank of America, New York, NY check # 4506618 signed by Kim **. I just want these people caught so they don't hurt anyone financially.

I signed up for Secret Shopper and within three weeks, I got an express mail containing two MoneyGrams for $980.29. While checking to make sure they weren't frauds, I noticed that the Franklin watermark wasn't there. So it was a fraud.

I answered an email to become a mystery shopper and received two MoneyGram money orders and received this email soon afterwards:

"First Assignment Upadate: From Mystery Shopper (**.***.****) - Dear Evaluator, Mystery Shoppers wants you to run a survey on a bank in your area most preferably your bank so that we can compare services. There has been reports about lapses in the services of some of our banks. The complaints were based on reports which customers forwarded anonymously and phone calls which were also made to our head office. The reported banks were reported for the following reasons: 1.) Customers have reported their money missing; 2.) Slow services; 3.) Unbalanced charges; 4.) Poor services; and 5.) Excess charges.

In reference to you receiving payments, I just got a confirmation from our affiliates that a payment has been sent to you via UPS. We have confirmed that it's in transit to you as I send this email. I will want you to follow the instructions below carefully and do not do anything aside the instructions once you receive the package. You shall be receiving two pieces of $890.95 money orders tomorrow each for your first assignment.

You are to deduct $200 as your commission. As soon as you receive the money orders, you are to fill in your name if the space required for you to put your name is blank as we have instructed our secretary to leave the space blank to avoid errors in spelling your names. You are to take the money orders to your bank and have it cashed. The funds are to be returned back to us via Western Union money transfer to the information below. Also, we are looking into transfers by Western Union.

You are to email me the transfer details below as it appears on the transfer slip: Sender's Name and Address used for the transfer, Money Transfer Control Number (10 digits), Total Amount Sent after deduction of Western Union charges for the transfer. You are to tabulate the exact time taken to complete the process and your observations about their services based on the above mentioned sectors we are evaluating below which are (1)Your Bank (2)Western Union location. You are also to provide the name of the cashier that attended to you at both locations. We'll look forward reading from you with the details of the transfer. - Employment Officer Craig M. EBay Secret Shopper LLC"

I was suspicious so I googled about money order scams and found a significant amount of information.

Out of desperation for employment, I phoned Mystery Shopper/Shopper Select on 6/16/2009. The person stated that for $1.95, I can start the process and a "list" of potential misc. leads entitled me to 30 days of potential stores, restaurants, and other locations to research for many different reasons. She mentioned value pass and journey pass as she spoke faster. I requested that she slow down and I did not want anything to do with value pass and journey pass. I was led to believe that it was not a problem.

Unfortunately, I gave my Visa card account number--pretty stupid. I have never been scammed and I was desperate for a way to make money. I called and called and finally got a person named Chandra on the morning of 4/17/2009 at 10:15 AM. I requested everything to be canceled, approximately 14 hours after the initial call. I assumed that was the end, but that is actually when the nightmare began!

I had called to see how an ad in a newspaper/magazine that sounded very interesting. Being a secret shopper was interesting to me, as a woman that loves shopping. So I called and what I can say I agreed to was an application fee of $3.95 and a 7 day free trial to build up my website. I was told that I could call customer service if I wasn't satisfied. So that same afternoon, I went to ShoppersSelect.com to see what I was suppose to do.

Called to speak to a representative, Ben ** approximate time spoken to was at 12:05 pm Tuesday, February 9, 2010. Duration of the conversation was about 10 minutes. Ben had explained that he could not refund the my money due to my wife had already canceled the account with their company.

When my wife agreed with the terms and conditions, she understood that she agreed with one program which was the website services from shoppers select. Ben then transferred me to Logan **, who is the supervisor. He explained the same thing that Ben explained to me. I kept trying to talk with him where he continuously talked across me. He asked me if I wanted to listen to the recording that my wife had processed the account with a woman representative. On the recording, Jasmine had understood that it was only one program that was being process for the account with this company and she had a 7 day free trial to see if it was for her. My wife didn't think if was for her so she decided to cancel it before my card was charge any more after the application fee.

So when my wife agreed to the terms and conditions, she only had to agree once for two programs, and was told that it could be canceled with a simple call to customer services. Which she did so, in our minds we had nothing to worry about and we had nothing else to do with the company of any sort. Logan kept getting confused with me being Jasmine. He referred me as she as in Jasmine the name who has the account. When I told him that it was my card and that I am Isiah husband of Jasmine, he refused to talk with me further more saying that he cannot talk with me because it is not my name on the account.

In their heads, it is okay for her to use my card with my name on it, but not okay to speak to a representative referring to this particular account because my name is not on the account. Logan then hung up on me. I then went to my bank to consult them all of what was going on. The conversation between Logan and I lasted approximately 20 minutes. I later went home were I called the company again. I spoke with Justice A., who is also an supervisor immediately put me on hold to read the notes of the account. Before I told him the reason for my calling, he was quick to tell me that he know that I spoken with Logan already and that he is going to tell me the same thing that I cannot get a refund.

After a few more minutes of complaining, he also put me hold. Logan then was back on the phone talking to me again. He pick back up from where he left off saying that they could not give me a refund. I questioned him on why he hung up on me and his answer was he did not hang up your wife hung up on me. Going back and fourth again for approximately an hour, where he mentioned that he will send a request form to the Financial office. I agreed that he could do so. I asked him reputably does he know exactly how much I wanted to be refunded for. He explain constantly that he will send the forms and it in the department hands. I explained to him that I want to be refunded $49.95 times 4 month's which was $199.80. I had the sense that he was not listening to me so I asked him if he would repeat what I requested.

Again he would say that he will send the request for a refund to the Financial Department. After arguing for approximately 15 more minutes, he kept pleating that he had to go so he could attend to more customers. After telling him that we have not resolve the situation, he took it upon himself to put me on hold permanently. After waiting 20 minutes, I gave the phone to my wife to wait on hold, she waited on hold, while I called the number off my cell phone. My cell phone number was block at that moment so that I could not get through to them.

I called off my house number were I then spoke to Justice A. he was being more cooperative with me. I told him the situation and I asked him does it show anything on my account that a request was sent to the Financial Department. He told me that it states that a request was waiting to be sent and that he can send it for me. I then asked him does it show the charges. He said that I was charged $49.95 for the months of November, December, January and February.

I asked him is that total equivalent to $199.80 and he said yes that exactly right. Also stated that I want that to be apart of the request to refund all of my money. He said that he will send it that they will call be back before 6 o'clock. It was 5:15 when I got off the phone with him. I waited till 5:50 before I decided to call back to check up on how come they have not call me yet. They were close at 6 but I was assured that they will call be back today. 2-9-08 I called back and Alex pick up the phone once again, I told him that I have not received a phone call yet. He then put me on hold and then came back to tell me that they are all busy but even after closing someone will contact me back. I said okay and we they hung up.

Approximately 6:40 ,a lady named Jake ** contacted me asking to speak to Jasmine. She told Jasmine that she was allowed to refund only one month. Jasmine was aggravated with the whole situation. She passed off the phone to me. The lady then explained what she told Jasmine and I told her that it was unacceptable and that I want all of my $199.80. After continuing to plea my case, she then put me on hold to speak to her manager. Jake returned to the phone and respond that they could refund two months. Again I said no, I want the full amount and asked to speak to her manager since I was constantly being put on hold so that she can consult with him.

After that went on for a few minutes, I was put on hold again and finally I was able to speak to Cliff **, the Financial department manager. Richard then started to also defend the company as well and saying that two months returned is the max that he can do. Richard then started to bring up information as in why am I now waiting to call about these matters. My response was that I did not realize that it was occurring. I thought that it was automatic withdraws for billing. He continued to tell me that this matter was not the business responsibility to notify us on what was being cancel and started to use useless examples comparing them to this situation.

He then mentioned that it was the end of his shift and that I can call him back and ask for him the next day in the morning between 10 and 11 in the morning. Where as other representatives said that they were not allowed to transfer to that department. He then kept applying that I get the confirmation number to be refund two month at the value of $99.90 and that I will receive it in 3-5 business days. As he was pushing me to get off the phone, I said that I will accept this confirmation number for this amount but I will be calling back the next morning, to get in contact with him about the remaining $99.99 of my refund. Richard then put me back on the phone with Jake to take down the confirmation number.

I then explained to her that I will be calling back tomorrow morning at the time he mentioned. The consequences that resulted in this was arguing between my wife and I. Overdraft to my account. A tremendous amount of stress caused to the both of us. A lack of trust in various companies. A fee from my credit card company for being late on a payment, did not have the money to pay it. Mentally worn out putting up so much fight even though the problems not resolved. Sore throat and a major headache.

Unemployed for over 2 years, I answered online for a Secret Shoppers position. I received in mail a check for $2850.50 payable to me. I was told to deduct $250.00 for my paycheck and go to Walmart and buy $50 in products of my choice, then go to Western Union and send the balance of cash to an address in the U.K. I am unsure if this is a legitimate job. It seems like a lot of money for a little work. Two reports, one on Walmart and the other on Western Union. Then email back my reports to Mr. **. I did not cash the check. I was not sure. I think the fact that the check is drawn on an account in NY, NY and they want me to send the money to the U.K. made me a little suspicious.

Received a check in the mail for $3,489.00 to be a mystery shopper. I was told to deposit the check and wait for it to clear my bank. Once it cleared to call back, so I did. I was then instructed to withdraw $3200.00 in cash and to wire $2860.00 to Talisa T in Altlanta, GA, and evaluate the store and employees. After I did this I was to call back again. I did and was asked for the Western Union MTCN number. Then I was told to use $139.00 to shop at Macy's and that I would be able to keep the merchandise. When I was finished for the day, I checked my bank account balance and was shocked to find that my account was overdrawn by more than $1000.00. I immediately called Gina back and told her that her check bounced. I finally got a reply the next day saying that she was sorry and they were going to issue another check, that I would received it in 3-5 days. It hasn't been that long yet, but I don't expect to get it.

The check was from Wells Fargo and an auto dealership. when the check was returned it caused my account to be overdrawn $3000.00. including overdraft fees and all other fees inquired from checks beng returned

You also have to call and fax your report with the moneygram receipt to their office and provide the Reference number for the transaction. I checked with your office and saw there was a similar scam out in the Midwest so chose to alert you rather than proceed.

I used consumeraffairs.com and found a scam that was very similar to this one and knew that it was a scam. I contacted my local news and reported the scam. Hopefully they will do a story about it and no one else has to fall for this scam.

I received an email to be a secret shopper. I replied to the email and was told I would receive a check in the mail. and would receive direction on what to do. I did not go through with this scam. I will probably receive a check this week from them.

this is a scam i found on craigs list

"We are a company that conduct surveys and evaluate other companies. We get hired to go to other peoples companies and act like customers in order to know how the staffs are handling their services in relation to their customers. once we have a contract to do so, you would be directed to the company or outlet, and you would be given the funds you need to do the job (either purchase things or require services), after which you would write a comment on the staffs activities and give a detailed record of your experience....

"And we turn the information over to the company executives and they would carry out their own duties in improving there services. Most companies employ our assistance when people give complains about their services, or when they feel there are needs for them to improve their customer service. your Identity would be kept confidential as the job states (secret shopper) you would be paid $300 for every duty you carry out, and bonus on your transportation allowance, and funds would be given to you if you have to dine as part of the duty. Your job will be to evaluate and comment on customer service in a wide variety of shops, stores, restaurant and services in your area.

"Your Secret Evaluation would be
1) To make a transfer of funds from this western union location to our Mystery shopper, And the funds would be picked up by another mystery shopper at another location where a customer reported her funds missing. 2) You would have to record the time at which you go to the location and how many minutes it took you to get service. 3) You would be sent a check/Money order which would cover your payment of $300 and also for the duty. As soon as you receive the check/money order, you should cash in at your bank, and deduct your

$300, and use the rest of the money for the services.

"4) Upon receiving the funds, the locations address would be forwarded to you, and also the Name and address of whom the Mystery shoppers transfer would be made to. You would have to keep a comprehensive report on every activity you carry out. 5) You would also provide me with the name of the cashier that attended to you. Please send me a reply so that the check/Money order sent out to you ASAP"

did NOT cash the check...reported to Federal Government

From: Papermoose Limited. Subject: RE: Mystery Shop For Us (Earn Weekly) (Confirm the receipt of this message). The check en route to you via regular mail (US POSTAL SERVICE) is expected to turn up any day now. YOUR IMMEDIATE RESPONSIBILITY: Proceed to the nearest MONEY GRAM outlet near you. Conduct a hidden survey on the MONEY GRAM outlet by by forwarding a fixed amount ($800.00) to a mystery consumer in another region who's conducting the same survey at the "RECIPIENT" end....

You're to simply send us an e-mail with your rating of the store /depot under the parameters above with the reference number of the funds sent. NOTE: ITS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE YOU CONFIRM THE RECEIPT OF THIS EMAIL. 2006-2009 Papermoose Limited. Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036.

WalMart Secret Shopper Scam. UPS delivered Money Orders and Bank Drawn Checks. Do Not Cash these checks. UPS delivers these with out your initial Approval. Been thier before you do not want too get wrapped up in the Legal sadness of it all.

On or about June 1, 2009, I received a letter in the mail which stated that I was selected to be a mystery shopper at K-Mart. Furthermore, there was a check enclosed for the amount of $3,350.00. I deposited the check. The bank held it for three days, because it was an out-of-town check. I made three purchases. The following day, my account was blocked due to the check bouncing. I explained to the bank how I received the check, and I was told to try to cancel the charges. Unfortunately, I was unable to do so. Now, my credit is damaged further, because I was trying to reestablish a relationship with the bank. I am on a fixed income as I am disabled, and I am presently a student at Metropolitan College of New York. I am trying to repair my life. This unfortunately does not help me.

I was mailed a check for $995 to act as a "mystery shopper" at MoneyGram. My instructions were to cash the check, go to MoneyGram and wire them back $880. A second training evaluation arrived the next day. This check was for $2500. I was to cash the check and wire them back $2150. A third financial training evaluation came a few days later. The check was for $2500. I was to cash the check and wire them via Western Union $2100 this time. I received a call from my bank a few days later - all the checks were returned. No one answers the phone at the Continental Evaluation Service and they have not responded to any of my emails. Scam! My bank account is in negative $6000. My bank account has been frozen and checks are bouncing left and right!

I received a check for $2,990 with a letter and a survey for Secret Shopper. It asked me to cash the check and send them back $2000 and said what the rest of it was covering. I knew it is a scam. It said my first assignment is Western Union. I am to go and take the $2000 and do a fund transfer to area manager P. ** at Brooklyn Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11210-1800. The second assignment is to take $250 and go to one store only listed and spend anything I want and keep it and fax the receipts. It said to contact their accounts manager after each assignment. I have not done anything with the check. I do not plan on cashing it.

I am currently out of work and was online seeking employment. I searched the Craigslist under customer service and applied for an opportunity I thought to make money while at home. I submitted my resume with all my personal information and work history. I received a UPS Express Envelope with three money grams enclosed in the amount of $980 each. I also received an email advising that I would receive money grams totaling the amount of $2960 of which $50 was to be used to shop.

While shopping, I needed to observe and fill out the survey form on Wal-Mart my assignment. My salary of $200 was to be deducted from this amount and all remaining to be returned by a money gram. I sent an email asking what am I to do with the three money grams. Was one of the money gram to be used for each secret shopping assignment? No answer was ever received today. The email stated I needed to go to Wal-Mart customer service and send the balance to Mrs. ** at Douglasville, GA 30134. You can only cash Wal-Mart money orders at Wal-Mart and the agent did not know if it was a scam money gram or not.

I then went a check cashing store in Stockbridge and asked the clerk if the money gram was a fake and she looked and stated it is. She made copies of all 3 money grams and my license and retained the money grams. She gave me copies to retain for my records. She advised this happens all the time. I looked for a Henry or Clayton County Police officer but there was no one passing by at all while traveling home. I also went to Hwy 138 location in Jonesboro hoping to see an officer for help and their cars parked outside on Hwy 138 but no one to help me. I printed out the email with all the information received and I was hoping there is something that can be done to ensure no one don't get scam out of money or get hurt. I called for ** but he is not in the office only in the morning for assistance. Please help and stop this before someone gets hurt.

I am a 19-year old sophomore at NU in Boston, MA. I was job searching at the beginning of May on Craigslist and I applied or an administrative assistant to a lot of companies. First of all, I have the job posting ID number of the scammer and the emails he sent me telling me I was hired. He told me I was hired for a customer service group that needed people to go to venues around Boston that had bad customer service. I was going to get paid to go into a convenience store and send a money gram and relay back the information about how long the store took. How well they treated me, how friendly and helpful the clerks were.

I feel like you can see where this is headed already. He then proceeds to ask for my address so he can send me a check for $1000. I will cash the check and keep $200 and then send the $800 into the money gram to a name and address that was emailed to me. This man then texted me at night telling me to text or email him about the "status of my assignment." I got the check in the mail and cashed it and did what I was told.

About 2 days later my bank account was $1000.00 less than before, which made my account -800.00. I then got phone calls from the man asking me what was wrong when I was sending him angry emails. He called on an unavailable number and hung up on me. There are so many other stories people getting scammed through Craigslist and it is a much bigger deal than people think. Also, I have now had to contact my postmaster, the bank, a law office, the FTC, and my local police authorities.

The problem is nothing is going to happen. The FTC simply had me fill out a complaint through the phone, which they are going to put in a pile with thousands of other cases just like mine. How does Craigslist not filter these people out of their system? All these companies are targeting college students in Boston. There are so many fraud checks floating around right now it is a disaster. I feel so cheated and stupid and ignorant. However, I have every email that he sent to me where he is very explicit about my "job" details. He also leads me on the entire time making me think that the check would be legitimate. I had $1000 taken from me because of a fraudulent check. I also had harassing phone calls from the person "Abraham **," if that is even his real name.

Thank God I Googled money order scams and found this happens frequently. I checked the money order and it did not have the Ben Franklin watermark, nor any other distinguishing marks that prove it was genuine. Luckily I did not cash this before finding out on the internet that this is a scam.

They sent me a letter from canada and enclosed a check for $1996.00. they money is to do consumer reasearch of electronics at various stores.your supposed to deposit the check in to your account then promply withdraw $300 for your self,$50 for the assignment, $1550.00 for you to transfer to them via western union, and $96 for the fee's from western union. It doesnt feel right it feels like a scam considering their po box is in Georgia but their phone number traces back to Montreal,Canada

No damages were done to me. But I wanted to bring this to your attention before more people get scammed and loose money.

i was hired for a pt time position for consumer research program to be a consumer service eveluator. my suppose 1st chk was for 3500 dollars my ist job was to send money to someone i trusted to see if moneygram overcharged me then c/b and let them know the amount that was charged. i did and moneygram kept the finds. this check had to be depoisted into my account. now im lost 3500 out of my life due to this fruad.

consequences i lost my mtg money my cost of living expensives.j ust about to be homeless. physically im sick. sick much deeper menally damaged. please help me and my family to just be healthier because this has sicken us thats why i took another job. we needed more income.

Someone recently tried to scam me when I applied for a secret shopper/mystery shopper job. Something did not seem right about this transaction I was asked to perform. I was asked to deposit a $2950.00 out-of-state check and withdraw $2750.00 to send to someone else via money gram. I was told I could keep $200 for my services but the money gram needs to be sent to another secret shopper. The check was from American Wine Distributors Inc. and it also had Wells Fargo Bank logo on the check as well.

Another strange thing is that the check was sent to me via FedEx priority overnight (Saturday delivery). There was no telephone number nor any note explaining what the check was for - just a check in the envelope . I contacted directory assistance to see if I could contact B. Roberts to find out what the check was for, but his name was not listed at the address that appeared on the FedEx Airbill.

It sounded like it was a good thing to do until I tried to deposit a check that they sent me, only to find out that the check was no good. This put a hold on my own money that was in my account as well so I was not able to withdraw as little as $60 because the bank stated that I had insufficient funds when I know I had over $2000 in my account of my own money.

i answer an ad for employment on-line and this person sent me a check by ups for $4,850 made out to me for futre payments for a job. i deposited this check in my checking account, and the bank found out the check was bogus! was drawned on a close account at the wachovia bank in atlanta ga. the bank closed my checking account put a hold on my funds and canceled my debit card without any prior notice to me.

I LOSE ALL MY FUNDS THAT WAS IN MY CHECKING ACCOUNT BY THE BANK PLACING A HOLD ON MY ACCOUNT AND I HAVE NO WAY TO GO TO COLLEGE.

this was for a job part time, mystery shopping.they sent me a check for 3500.00, 300.00 for my first pay check 200.00 for gas and shopping, 3000.00 to send to a person of my choice. they said to deposit the check into my checking account. i then will send 3000.00 by moneygram to someone of my choice, this is to ascertain if you will be overcharged during this transaction.

2nd assignment i was to drive to a gas station to check out their gas prices for gas gouging. i called mr phillips to let him know it took five days for their check to clear my bank, he wanted me to use my own money so i could start working right away, i told him NO i would not do that that i had to wait for his check to clear, he said ok call me when it does. thank God i waited cause my gte credit union said that check was no good. they called it altered -fictitious

It only cost me $8.00 for a bad check from the bank. It could of been alot worse if i didn't keep my head on stright.

I received several emails signed by B. WILLIAMS Secret Shopper

I found an ad on Craigslist entitled 'Great Pay Fun Work', for a Mystery Shopper job. Per the ad's request, I emailed my name & address to mysteryshopperjobs. About 3 days later, I received a check for $2,950. I am contacting you because I believe this is a scam where I am expected to deposit this check into my account, then have this person request to send them money, then have this check bounce.

I never deposited the check. If I do, it will bounce, after I send him money.

I applied for a mystery shopper position online and received a letter by mail with a check enclosed. The letter outlined what to use the check for and asked that I speak with Don Wilson after the check was deposited. I called and asked all necessary questions and then had a friend of mine deposit the check for me. When we arrived at her bank today, she was informed that the check was counterfeit and that her account was charged $10.

I called the number provided and now there is no answer, just a recording with an opportunity to leave a message. They have not returned any calls. The only consequences that occured was the $10.00 charge to my friend's account, which has already been refunded to her account.

I was offered a mystery shopper job that I signed up for on craiglist. The above mentioned company doesn't exist. And they have sent fraudalent checks and money orders to my residence. I actually performed most of the working duties they required from me. And once I was going to send some of the funds to a third party client. The bank instructed me that the check I deposited after 5 days of not knowing was no good.

I was instructed to go to my local precinct. But after speaking to a detective. He said because I didn't send the money it wasn't a crime. I basically did work for free and should report this incident to consumer affairs. Because I wasn't aware of the scams on craiglist which I used before to get jobs. My bank account is overdrawn and I have to get another job to pay the fees I owe.

I owe bank of america close to $3,000 dollars.

this was a mystery shopper scam. this guy offer me a job as a mistery shopper. said that i have to make surveys for western union and ask me to wired to another mistery shopper in moldova $899 hi transfer that money to my bank acc. i made the transaction and a week later i received a letter for my bank saying that the deposit that i receved to make this transaction was made by mistake on my bank and the withdraw than money. so now my bank acc is overdraft for 1000.00 that i dont have.

i fell so bad becuase i am so stupid let for let this guy lie to me, but when you are a single mom and some tell you that you will make 100.00 per day you fall into the lie
no i have to pay $1000.00 to citi bank that i dont have, to cover my overdraft so i have to take food from my baby to pay this debt

these people have sent two letters to my wife with a check in the amount of 2750.00 saying it is hers to spend but she needs to wire 2250.00 back to them when she called the number a male was very rude and wanted her claim # and check number and wanted to know if she signe the check or deposited it when she asked for more information he hung up on her, she called back and he told her to lose the # and never call again

we are not stupid enough to cash an unknown check but someone needs to look into this so called secret shopper business

I answered an ad for a part time job on Craigslist as a secret shopper. They were to pay me to act as a customer at Walmart and rate my experience. Everything seemed legit until I found out they were going to send me a check for $3750 and I would send the funds through Moneygram to a stranger. (One of their agents) I realized this was a scam and I researched and found out how often it happens and how many victims acually fall for it. I was lucky enough to catch it and I want to help others avoid getting scammed.

U.S. Mail delivered a letter to me from this company in which it stated that I have been selected to participate in a paid Consumer Rresearch Program. The letter requests me to call them upon receipt of the letter which also contains a bank check in the amount of $2,865.20. I am to hold the check until I call them. The last page of this letter contains an Evaluation Form for me to use when performing the work they offer. The check lists C.A.G. Inc. from Chicago, IL and the letter is from Marham, ON.

One of the customers who I'm supposed to Mystery Shop for is ... Money Gram and I'm supposed to send $2,445.00. I'm sure that had I been gullible enough to follow through with this the amount listed above would have been sent to these scam artists. Doesn't this actually turn into a Federal Crime seeing as how they're using the US Mail?

Red flags went up when I opened this letter.

this company is sending me checks , for some type of secret shopping. i call the company that explain that i need to put a check for the amount of 4,985.00 in to my accont adn send them 3,975. i explain them that i that this is some type of fraud adn they keep calling and harassing me. i that is some kind of fraud that need to be investagated.

I was the victim of a scam. I cashed a check that was sent to me to become a mystery shopper inthe amount of $2,860. The teller (who turned out to be a principal at the bank) advised me that this MIGHT be a scam and I should be carefull before cashing the check. I thanked him for his concern, but since the check said cashier check, I cashed same, against my account. Need less to say, the check bounced. I was told by the police department that my bank should have a loss protection department and I should talk to the manager.

When I went into the bank today and asked for a manager, the teller who claims to be a financial advisor, he said to me I warned you...when I mentioned the loss protection dept. he said I just hope I am not going to get into trouble because I cashed this check for you. He then disappeared, coming back and told me they said they were sorry, but couldn't help me because I cashed the check. The man was now saying to me, and to whomever he was talking to at the loss protection dept. that he told me the check was no good, but I insisted on cashing it. He never told me the check was no good, for if in fact if he knew that, legally, he never should have let me cash it.

I was laid off from my job and the loss of this money is devistating to me. Because of this manager not telling the truth, I am out $2,860.00. This man was rude to me, and dismissed me. I have been a customer in good standing at [this] bank for over 10 years and have never been talked to with such disrespect and treated so badly by this person.

I applied for a variety of jobs online, at indeed, one being a Mystery Shopper. They sent me a check, and in good faith and sincerity I followed their instructions as to what to do. While evaluating at Wal-Mart, I was on the phone with the person. So after completing the first assignment they sent me another. I deposited it, and was told my account would be on hold, but I never got any money out. I kept calling my banks customer service dept and they told me the check was fraudulent. I was devastated. They said the check was returned.

So I called the bank back several times to see if customer service reps would all say the same thing. One rep let me have the checking account information from the sender's check. I called the bank that was listed on the check to verify if the check was bad or not, they said they couldn't tell me that, they could only tell me if the account was active, and said it was. I continued to call my back, and I asked how much would I be charged and they said $10 service fee plus $35.00 for the returned check. I asked was that all, they said yes. I called customer service again, and asked the same question to 3 different people and they all said the same thing. My availiable balance was -2810 and my balance was -43.00.

I then call the mystery shopper rep that I was dealing with and told him the check was deemed fraudulent. He told me that their bank never lefted the fraud alert on the check, and that he'd have the fraud team investigate it and they'd call me back in 48 hours. I called back to ask a different person and they said the same thing. After 48 hours they didn't return my call so I called back, and the guy answered and said call back at 11am, and after that I never got an answer when I called.

The customer service rep told me I'd only have to pay 43.00 by Friday, Dec. 6th, to get my balance back to $0. And he told jut dont withdraw any money. So I didn't. He also told me that the first $2875 went through and cleared. So I call a day later and the available balance was -$5000+. And I called the customer service reps and they said I owed $5000+. I pride myself on being honest, so terrified. I graduate from college in less than 2 weeks, and I was just looking for employment, now I am afraid that criminal charges can be brought against me.

I don't have $5000+. I thought I only had to pay $43 and that they sender would be liable for the fraudulent check because it bounced from their account not mine. I was told that was the reason the check was put on hold. I am afraid that my life is ruined before it even starts. I was told so many different things by the people who work at my bank. I am just scared.

they sent me a check for $4260.00 for mystery shoper. i knew it was a scam. people like this should be stopped thats why im writing to you. its paladin research center, chester, ns canada.

i ripped the check up. please stop these people from hurting anyone else.

I applied on line through ChigagoJobs for Mystery shopper/consultant needed. They emailed me back that I had been hired and would be receiving a check to shop at Walmart, Target or Macy's and Money Gram. The check for $3650.00 came from Charles, Ponte Verda Beach, FL drawn on Bank, Ponte Verda Beach, FL. The check came via UPS next day air from Ginnfer, Hurricane, UT and I was instructed in an email received the same day to purchase two Money Grams for 1550 and send them to Brandon, Detroit, MI and Brandon, Southfield, MI within 48 hours.

There was no consequences because I didn't fall for the scam. Just wanted to make folks aware that in these desperate economic times when finding a job is difficult, there's some real scams happening.

In October I was sent a check with a letter informing me as a affililiate consumer survey specialist, I was selected to cnduct a survey assignment. I was sent a check for 1995 dollars, $250, was for probabatory training salary, $50, for shopping, $15995. to be sent to one of several training agent made. I did the assignment after depositing the check into my account, only to be told it is a counterfeit check by my bank.

Now I owe my bank and an hold is being placed on my account. I have a young child to feed. I need to be refunded by Jean and her agency immediately. I need her to clear this up with my bank. I never had any problem with Bank of America, I have been with them for years. It is embarrassing. I have no money. I need immediate actions.

Was contacted to work at home to be payment processor for Ashley furniture industries. Was sent the money orders from Fedex, then asked to cash at bank and send rest to address to follow thru Western Union(keep 10% for payment) performed this transaction once and now I am out $2600. Money orders looked legitate from Albertsons money gram.

The bank caught the next money orders that I tried to cash thank God! Followed thru with police report and informed bank since it made my account overdrawn,which I have had bank account for over 10 years and never overdrawn

Well I am out $2600 for loss of money orders plus fees, I had to borrow this money from my parents which they had to take from their retirement account and the fact this has been reported to the police, bank and Ashley furniture and nobody wants to help get any money back is just a very big hardship

My husband was contacted by the above company to be a Business Analyst (mystery shopper). He was sent cashiers checks which he was to cash, transfer money through Western Union, etc and then rate the businesses performance. He was paid a certain amount of money for each job.

The cashiers checks were evidently fraudulent because they have been returned to my personal bank and now my checking account is 7,000.00 dollars overdrawn and they may prosecute. Please advise.

Western Union scam Alert; Tries to employ you as a mystery shopper; asks you to open an account with Citi-bank so he can wire money into your account so that you can get started shopping. You get ($100) commission. He doesn't ask for personal info except your age and where you live.

When I found out this was a scam I was distraught, $2500 is a lot of money for most of us. Thank goodness for Wal-Mart we got to MoneyGram before the money was picked up and they refunded the entire amount, including the transaction fee. I applaud Wal-Mart. Thank you.

I accepted a position as a Secret Shopper with this company. They sent a check that cause by Bank Account to be Frozen. When I called them to tell them the check was returned, they hung the phone up.

I have a police report filed at the West Winddsor station.

I then called moneygram to cancel the transaction but the money was already picked up. I then called the phone number on the letter and received a message that the person that I was calling was unavailable to call again later. I called several times only to receive the same message. I lost $2950.00 plus check charges of $50.00

Here's another scam the public should be made aware of. This was sent via email asking me to be a secret shopper. I filled out the application, the next day I got a check delivered UPS for 4,950.00. An email instruting me to cash the check and then go to western union and send out two money orders to different address.

Fortunately, my mother didn't raise a fool. I checked with the BBB and the Attorney Generals office before cashing the check. But it did cause quite a bit of anxiety. I just want people to be aware of the secret shopper scam.

I was contacted by Mystery web shopping and offered a job through Guru. It stated that I would be paid for any out of pocket money BEFORE I spent any. Then when they sent me my shopping tasks they said to complete and then I would be paid IMMEDIATELY. This was the amount of $15.00 and took many emails and finally paid out 3-4 days later, through Pay Pal, not through Guru.

When I emailed them to ask for their billing number, to be paid through Guru, they would not answer me and then finally told me to submit payment request through Pay Pal. This is a horrible rip off that is using legitimate freelance job sites to hook people. You believe you are bidding on a legitimate job and be awarded that job. They NEVER added their address or phone number to their emails, but did advise that they would be calling me in the beginning. Never happened.

In my emails, I get over 98 Spam emails a day. I went back to the 15 jobs that I shopped and cancelled every required membership that I was suppose to join. 7 of these charged my card $1.00 each at the time of the shop. Mystery Web Shopper refused to refund this. I eventually had those reversed through my credit card. I attempted to unsubscribe to the emails I was receiving (which started out at about 6 a day), but as I continued to unsubscribe, I am not up to over 98 spam emails a day and it grows DAILY!

I received a letter informing me that a recent survey I took said that I would like to make additional money part-time (I don't remember taking) said I was choosen to be a mystery shopper on a temporary basis. After the probation period I could earn up to 500.00 a week. It also included a check for 3,480.00 and a breakdown on how that was to be spent and 2,980.00 was to be wired to a training agent, 300.00 was my salary, 150.00 was for the cost of wiring the money, and 50.00 for shopping in 1 of the stores and the product was mine to keep as a bonus.

The check I received was from a General Contractor in Carrollton, TX and when I did a reverse phone number search for Atlantic Temporary Employment (ATM) it came up a cell phone number in Canada. I also called the number and a guy answered with just a first name that I didn't understand and when I asked who I was calling he replied, Atlantic and then his name. I could not find this company on the internet and the company that the check is drawn on are a general contractor in Texas that do home renovation. The letter also said that this offer expires on October 29, 2008.

I am disregarding this letter. I think it's a scam! Why would anyone send me that kind of money never meeting me and then trusting me to wire money? If it's too good to be true... it is! Beware!!

I got a letter about Mystery shopper along with a cashier's check from Regions Bank (No Address) for $4380.00. The letter said this will pay me 3 hours @100.00 per hour (after this I will be increased to $400.00 per week after this training assignment.) The required fund to be transferred $3790.00, Service charges $180.00, and funds for shopping $110.00. This must be completed 4 days from the date you receive the letter. They gave you locations like K-Martm Home Depot, Gap, Wall Mart, sears and Lowes. Then Money Gram or Western Union to transfer the money.

I have received a scam like this before, so I did nothing. But I know you would cash the check, pay the amounts, and then the check bounces. Any questions please call me.

Received bogus cashier check for $3250 with the following directions: payment via Federal Express from us and here is the tracking number of the package: You can Check for the status at fedex.com . You are to cash the Cashier Check at your bank this morning or Instant Check Cashing Facilities close to you, deduct 10% pay for this assignment and make a transfer of funds via Western Union to our Mystery shopper, And the funds would be picked up by another mystery shopper at another location whose information is below to carry out another Mystery Check was a photocopy along with the signatures.

Checked and found it was a fraud so there have been no damages.

This is one such scam company who sent a check for $4955. The check says Ashland, Ohio with a disbursement center in Florida. It is for wiring a money gram. There is a shadowshopper in Florida, so I suspect that their name is being used illegally.

None - did not fall for it. Wanted people to be aware of it, and maybe shut down.

I recieved a check today from UPS from this company drawn on First Tennessee Bank in Memphis Tn. The check was for $3850.00. I am enclosing email from the secret shopper telling me what to do with this check. I called the bank in question and was told there is no such account number so I called the police and they advised me to inform you.

I had the foresight to investigate the nature of the check. I was told by the police had I tried to cash the check or deposit it I could have been arrested.

i recieved a check for $2500.00 for a mystery shopping( what i belive has to be a scam) i never signed up for any of this. they want me to shop at burger and the most disturbing is the $1640.00 money gram transfer they would like me to make to them, with a 250.00 transfer fee.

i am not naive enought to fall for this but i want to report this because if i got this they are surely going to send it to some young naive person that will have a horrible surpise

There was an ad on craigslist for a data entry clerk. I emailed to the email listed and got a response back. When I saw it was secretshoppersrus--I looked it up and saw that all the secret shoppers listed with complaints on many websites. I then emailed the contact back to let her know it was a scam and to not contact me again. She sent me back a NASTY email. Totally uncalled for.

One day I was flipping through the penny saver to see if there was any way I could make more money. I just wanted to have some extra cash in my pocket. Then I saw in add for mystery shoppers. So I called and signed up, I was told I was being charged $1.95 to start using the services. They told me I would be charged additional after 14 days for the services. They said I could call and cancel before then. I had called the number and canceled. I was NOT told that I had to call all 4 of the services they has signed me up for. They just gave me the one number. They wouldn't refund my account they took $39.95 out of even know I didn't use there services. I guess that's how they make there money by not being clear.

i keeped asking them if my account was goinig to stay open and they always responed with yes because they knew her check was coming in. so my daugthers check came in on 8-20-08 and they took the 357.00 i owe that with out me knowing, now this is a goverment check that my daugther gets once a month could they do this. thank you

In a message dated 8/17/2008 4:50:24 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, marcus_a.19xx@yahoo.com writes: Thanks for the co-operation and also for responding. You have been selected for your first assignment as a Mystery Shopper. You will earn $500 by been a mystery shopper. Your employment packet include business evaluation form, a training assignment which will be send to you after you received payment for the assignment. Paycheck would be sent to you for the assignment by Certified Check or money order. The paycheck would be $3,500, you are to deduct your 500 salary,and the rest would be used for the evaluation at the store that would be sent to you.

Your Employment packet are as follows : 1. Business evaluation form: This is the form you are required to fill after you visit any shopping mall in your area, you would be given the store name and address. You are required to evaluate its customer service and quality control after their services are rendered to you. You would required to fill a form to rate the employee(s), the form would be given to you after the evaluation:

2. Training Assignment: You are hired to evaluate the quality of services of the store or mall that would be given to you . You are needed to rate the employees. Please note, this is a part-time activity. Training Assignment: You are hired to evaluate the quality of services of the store or mall that would be given to you . You are needed to rate the employees. Please note, this is a part-time activity. the check was sent from: Betty C., S. First ST., Pflugerville, TX 78660. lucky for me i just got the cashier's check today awaiting instructions on what to do with it. the check came from AZ. and i saw the scam section about that state. What should i do? also there was not a business name used. Thank You.

I REPLIED TO THE EMAIL AND THESE ARE THE RESPONSES I RECEIVED:

POSITION: CUSTOMER SERVICE EVALUATOR REPRESENTATIVE I.D. ACSI-172008. Dear Karen, With reference to your recent interest shown online in discovering a new income opportunity, We at ASSURANCE CUSTOMER SERVICES INC are pleased to offer you this opportunity to participate in our Customer Service Improvement Campaign in your local region. This campaign is an excellent means of earning hundreds of dollars weekly!

This is a research program designed by ACSI to seek real people opinions about various products or services. We are currently running a research project for "MoneyGram",a global leader in international money transfer and we would like to gather your honest and productive opinion on their services including changes that need to be made to better their customer services. Your opinion and suggestions alongside others will be compiled and submitted to "MoneyGram" for evaluations in order to see what aspects of their services need improvements.

MoneyGram services are currently offered at over 1.3 million locations around the world. Its popularity has grown over the years and its expansion has been highly due to suggestions of individuals like you. This assignment has been put together to be completed at any Wal-Mart location or MoneyGram store. The objective of this assignment will be to evaluate the Effectiveness and Efficiency of a payment system called "MoneyGram" which is available at any Wal-mat location or MoneyGram agents.

You are mandated with the task of carrying out a customer service appraisal and survey for the purpose of evaluating and assessing the customer service being provided to customers. This assignment should be completed at any MONEYGRAM transfer location in your area. The objective of the assignment will be to measure the level of customer service being provided by the representative at the Moneygram counter in the store.

To familiarize yourself with what Customer Service Evaluation entails, we have put together this detailed information package on your behalf. We have also assigned you an initial probationary task. You are required to complete this assignment upon receipt and we will compensate you with a $200 flat wage for your time and travel expenses. Below is the assignment and the scenario:

To carry out this survey you will pose as a potential customer sending a "Moneygram" payment to David M. a relative of yours who resides at Montreal, Quebec Canada (Please Note: You do not need a full address to send a MoneyGram transaction).This relatives name has been fabricated for the purpose of the assignment and this scenario will enable you to gather a detailed opinion report. You may personalize this experience in order to get a real life opinion of the customer service being provided.

The funds needed to complete the assignment have been arranged and will be sent to you by one of our Agents for this assignment. Please e mail or call if assistance is required for completion of the assignment. Otherwise proceed immediately you get the funds, as this assignment is TIME-SENSITIVE. Also for the verification of all completed assignments, you are required to e mail and Fax the questionnaire sheet and receipt to our office and also provide us with the reference number for the transaction. This is to verify the conclusion of your paid survey. The reference number is located on the receipt provided by the "MoneyGram" agent. Please keep the original survey questionnaire sheet and the transaction receipt for future assignments.

The Questionnaire sheet that must be filled and sent back within 24hrs upon completion of the assignment has also been forwarded to you in the second e mail. Regards, John P. Group Project Coordinator ASSURANCE CUSTOMER SERVICES INC

THEN I RESPONDED TO THE EMAIL AND RECEIVED THIS INFO: "The $200 is your money for the evaluation,the money order that will be sent to you will be more than that amount so after deducting your fees and also deducting the MoneyGram transfer charges at the store you will send the balance left with you. The Money Order will be sent via UPS Courier to your physical address so you need to provide that in your reply. Thanks. Kindly let me know if you have carefully gone through and understand the rules and guidelines for a customer service evaluator sent to you for this assignment. Your timely response will be highly appreciated. Please also send your complete physical address in your reply. Yours truly Group Project Coordinator

On Tue, Aug 12, 2008 at 8:40 AM, Karen M. wrote: "Dear Mr. Phillips: A couple of quick questions before I run to Walmart: 1. In what amount do you want the moneygram transaction? 2. How and when will you be sending the funds to purchase the Moneygram or does the $200.00 cover the fee for the moneygram?Thanks for your assistance."

I HAVE NOT RESPONDED BACK. I almost fell for it but I felt it was too good to be true so I did some investigating and decided not to get involved after reading all the comments posted on the web! I definitely believe this is a scam, scam, scam. I just wanted to warn others. When you think of a money order you think you're not responsible but they can be counterfeit also and you end up paying the price!

MAILED A CHECK TO BE A SECRET SHOPPER. CASHED CHECK SENT WIRE TO CANADA SECRET SHOPPED MONEY GRAM AND TARGET.

WE LOST $4992- AND AS FAR AS PHYSICAL WE ARE STRESSED OUT ABOUT PAYING OUR BILLS NOW.

I was sent a check after posting my resume on career builder they aid I could have a part time job secret shopping. i received a check which I cashed and sent money orders. I did evaluations on money gram, wal-mart and Target.

I was scammed 4992.00

I received this letter last week I didnt open it. I opened it July 29th. It had a check in it for 3,350 and a letter from Customer Service Survey Group, Inc. Secret Shopper employment it had a letterhead and detailed instructions of what the money was going to be used for with a Survey Evaluation Sheet as well as the Business and Ethics Code. I called my siter first then I called the number. I got a recording for the office of Winston Glover it could not receive any more messages. Then I called the other number. the same man answered he asked my name and he insisted that I cash the check today but on the letter it says to call them to activate check. He said to go to bank cash the check then call back to activate.

So I said okay and hung up. I then called the Better Business Bureau couldnt get anyone. So I called the Fort Campbell Consumer Affairs office and I got this website. I'm glad I was directed to the internet I saw how others got ripped off. But I knew it sounded too good to be true because this letter came out of the blue.

I receive a letter in the mail from Optimum Shoppers Inc. on June 30, 2008. It was suppose to be a Mystery Shopping Research Company. I had register with another Mystery Shopping company the beginning of this year, so I assume Optimum Shopper was affiliate with the same company bad mistake. Along with the letter explaining my assignment they sent me a check in the amount of 3,925.00. I call the company and talk to Stacy R. assignment coordinator. She told me that I had to deposit the check into my bank and that she would release the funds so that I could start the assignment. I deposit the check in my bank on July the 1, 2008.

My Bank held the check for 9 days then release it. I called the company talk to a woman name Gloria. She told me that I had to complete two parts to the assignment. The first part was to send a Money Gram for 3,250.00 a service fee of 175.00. She told me to send the Money Gram to Cathy L., Manhattan New york. Which I did. Then the second part was to shop at Wal Mart. I had to spend 200.00. She told me that the total time for me to complete the assignment should be 3 hours and that my pay was a 100.00 hour which was included in the check. I had to fill out a Company Evaluation Sheet on both of the Company. Then fax all of the paper work back to them. I fax the paper work on July 10 2008. I call Gloria back and she said that I should be getting another assignment in a couple of weeks.

July 22, 2008 I receive a letter from my bank saying that the check that I had deposit for 3,925.00 had been returned and because the funds was not available a hold has been place on my account for the amount of the check plus fees. I had to put a block on that account and open another account with my bank. I had to work out a payment plan with the bank because I was laid off my job of 10 year and I'm only working part time. This has cause me much distress. I did this in good faith to supplement my income. I thought this was a legitimate Company.

This is an on-line site. I joined and after I joined I found that me as a "Bronze" member does NOT get any of the jobs! Only "Silver" & "Gold" Members gold & silver pay a monthly fee in order to get the jobs totally complete. With me they say I have to up grade to get the full job instructions. Otherwise there is no info and what can I do with that? Very unprofessional to guess don't you think? Is this right? Is this a scam? I took a test and I am supposedly Certified as a Shopper now. But is it even real?

This is nothing severe. Just very aggravating. I do not feel that this is right. I thought that a real Mystery Shopper doesn't have to pay anything? Maybe I am wrong. Please let me know, I would greatly appreciate it. Having a list of what is no good or good shopper site would be ideal. Where to go even better! I don't want to waste your time, I know you must be very busy there. PS I doubt this is a lawyer issue so I did check the "Do Not Want Lawyer" box. I was so mad after I went through most of the site, I finally read where I have to be a gold or silver member. Then why bother with this site then? A waste of my time totally!

I received a check for $3000.00 from a company for a secret shopper assignment through walmart. Tried to contact gapbusters inc when the check bounced. I lost all of my money. Tell others to beware of gapbusters. I already contacted the bbb in california and the local police in san ramon, ca and the companies name on the bad check. These people i hope are caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

My husband and I lost over $3000.00 from our savings.

I would have thought this one was worn out as most people have been aware of it for years, but it popped up uninvited in my mailbox big as life this week, so I thought I'd put out a red flag... I got a check in the mail for $4,180, along with an employment offer as a secret shopper, making $500 to $800 a week. My first assignment would be to deposit the check, then evaluate the service level of MoneyGram, Western Union, or any specified Financial Institution by wiring $3,350 to someone in New York. After doing that I would go spend $150 at Wal-mart or other businesses on the list and evaluate their services and products. I was instructed that I must keep my assignment confidential. As I looked over this correspondence, the discrepancies began to pile up.

The heading on the letter gave one name, CEG Research International, Plano TX , while the check was from Trussway, LTD, Houston TX. Trussway LTD was not presenting itself as the company contacting me, but rather as one of the sponsors of the research group. I noticed that both companies are located in Texas, as is the bank the check is from (Chase Bank of Texas, San Angelo, TX), but the letter came to me, no return adress, from Canada. The letter instructed me to fax the evaluation forms (they only sent one evaluation form- specific to the wire transfer evaluation, go figure) and acceptance form to one number, but the form itself instructed me to send the fax to a different number. It was signed at the bottom by L Jon illegible scribble but under the signature was typed Dr. Jennifer Smith, Director, Human Resources.

The amount of errors in spelling, punctuation, and form (sentence fragments, grammar and syntax errors)eventually literaly made me laugh. They were errors that a high school student would not make if assigned to write a business letter. Surely a big research group with the kind of big name sponsors listed would be able to afford to hire someone who knows how to write a letter. I'm also sure that when legitamate businesses hire Dr.s, those individuals sign with their specified degree or certification as a suffix. No one signs a real business letter Dr.

Trussway LTD. (the name of the company writing the check) is a real business. So are the other sponsors listed. However, I found no connection to any of them with a CEG Research International, and was unable to find information about any company called CEG Research International of Plano TX at all. The letter inferred affiliation with Mysteryshops.com, but I did not find CEG anywhere on or around their website either. So, I'm thinking that this is either an attempt to get my bank account number, an attempt to get me to send a bunch of my money somewhere before their rubber check bounces, an attempt to get me to unwittingly aid in laundering some money, or any combination of the above.

Really, sending $3,350 to evaluate a wire tranfer service? Please. I hope that people are not falling for this junk. I saw through it, but I can see how some trusting individuals could be fooled by the letterheads, bar codes, and important sounding names of the positions. The talk of nationwide recession is worrisome right now, and that gives scammers even more of an edge. Please be careful!

I did not deposit that check anywhere- it went straight to the trash.

I was sent information with a $4,200 check to become a Mystery Shopper for this company. I deposited the check into my account on June 27 2008, on July 5 2008 my bank told me the check was a counterfeited and I owe money for the part of the check they release.

I owe $100.00 dollars plus any unsuffient funds penalty,an I truly now believe that this is a atempt to steal my personal information through my checking account information. Now that is has been a week they probably already have all my personal info, to do what they need to with it.

On line I applied for a job being a mystery shopper. Several weeks later I received a letter hiring me along with a check for$998 an explanation that they are research MoneyGram and instructed me to deposit the check in my account, keep $100 as my payment and send the rest to a relative, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, fill in a report and confirm receipt via email. Needless to say I'm pretty sure this is a scam.

I'm not out anything, but how many are? I hope you can do something about this.

I signed up for secret shoppers a few months ago. I received a letter from Quality Analysis Inc. Shopping Business Solutions with a $4,760 cashiers check inside. In the letter, It read deposit this check into your bank account and give us a call when the check clear so we can get you all set up.

When the check cleared, I gave this company a call and began my assignments. I sent a western union transfer of $2,700 to Gilbert, Salt Lake City, P.E Canada. Then I sent a $1,380 moneygram transfer to Adrian, Saint Boniface, M.B. Canada. Then I made a purchase at walmart and a purchase at gap to critique their staff.

2 hours after I completed these assignments, my bank called me while I was at my full time job and told me that the check was a counterfit. I went straight to the bank and explained the entire situation. My bank is giving me 30 days to pay back this money. I had to borrow over $4,000 from my profit sharing retirement fund to pay this money back. I'm just sick to my stomache and upset with myself that I fell for this scam.

I recieved a letter with instructions and a check for $2490 from the above named company to become a secret shopper. I deposited the check, made the requested purchases, and then learned payment of their check had been stopped.

I was charged over $200 in return check charges, spent over $280 as a secret shopper, and if I had completed the transactions would have lost another $2000 of my own funds by purchasing a moneygram to be sent to Grace Lowel.

i received an offer to secret shop walmart and jc penney and oh yeah send a money gram for $2,100 to a bogus person in south carolina...i checked the internet and found out there was no such person...joy johnson at 2535 old camden dr, lancaster, sc 29720..and that the biz line was from 1111 huruontario st, brampton, ontario, m9n 5h4 an address that did not exist...with michael j. lopez as the human resources manager...

the fax they wanted me to send was in texas....i seemed strange that a woman with a very hispanic accent would be working in canada and that the letter after reading carefully had some gramatical errors...thank goodness for the internet...i wanted you to know this information

it all seemed like to much money for the amount of effort...i did deposit the check but after checking the internet i know this check will bounce so i am going to the band today to cancel it

I have been victim of a internet scam. I applied to be a mystery shopper with a company I was familiar with, Shoppers Inc. I have done mystery shopping before and recognized the company. I wanted to make a little extra money to be able to afford basic things like gas and groceries and maybe a little extra something special for my daughter. Her Dad and I live together and he had been working as a background extra as a non union and made little money that helped with small bills. Since the writers strike last October he has not worked and we cannot afford him to because he takes care of our daughter while I am working and going to classes once a week in Woodland Hills. This is not a joke or scam, this is a true situation.

To make a long story short, I received a letter on Monday, (I needed a miracle to happen, I had no money, running out of gas and groceries), the letter came from Shoppers INC and stated information about a shop and to use the enclosed check for $4,650. I kept looking at it and every indication looked authentic. I put the check in my savings account and withdrew $100. The next day I checked my account and the check was not processed and 100 dollars was in the red. I called the number on the letter and explained the situation. Lisa was the person I spoke with. She said, "Oh that never happened before. I will stop payment and issue a new shop." I had a conversation with the bank (Bank of America) later and the check was being returned to me with a letter.

The next day the 25th I found out my savings was closed and they were in the process of closing my checking. The risk department deemed I was a risk. I have my payroll check Direct deposited and the payroll was already intransit for Friday. I tried to retain my check from my employer but was lectured and then the bank is holding my funds until the payroll clears and I will be issued my portion of the funds in 15 days. My account was overdrawn also. I called the attorney Generals office to report the scam but the scammers are operating out of Canada so the US has no jurisdiction. I had been directed to call a Phone Busters number to file a complaint and I did. I have no savings, no family to help and I have rent due by the 1st, enough food for a few days, and gas to get home from work today. My daughter who is in the 1st grade is on spring break and I need to get to work and school. I have nowhere to turn and I don't qualify for any assistance from the state. This is no joke I have all the paper work to prove my situation. I was dumb on my part, I was not aware of this type of scam and feel very embarrassed. If you can assist me in any type of help I would be oh so grateful.

My bank account was closed, I am put on telecheck so I cannot get another bank account. I have direct deposit and I cannot retrieve any of my funds until the payroll clears. My employer will not deposit any future payroll checks, I will receive a live check on a Monday. A cashier check from the bank for the remainder of funds will be issued in 15 days. My rent goes unpaid so I face eviction, no money for gas to get to work , food ect. I have a young child to take care of . I feel really depressed. I stand to lose my job. I have no one to turn to.

Be careful when you login to www.frontlinefocus.com, it is a mystery shopping scam. You will be cheated. 2-3 payments you will receive on time. But the rest you will never get. This company does mystery shopping for Pizza Hut and KFC. They are based in Dubai.

Getting out of it early is the best.

I got a letter in the mail from secret shopper after I filled out a online application with a check for $2850.00. I was told to deposit it in to my checking account. After the bank told me that the funds were available (I assumed that the money from the check cleared and my bank received the funds from the bank the secret shoppers sent me) I went to my bank and took the money out. I then was told to go to my local walmart and send a money gram to a name they gave me. I was to grade the walmart employees on their services and report how the services were to the secret shoppers and give them the moneygram reference code and they would send me another assignment.

The next day I received my 2nd assignment with another check for $3200.00 to deposit to my account. After I deposited the 2nd check I got home and checked my bank account online and saw that I was $2500.00 overdrawn. I contacted my bank and they informed me that the first check was sent back to my bank for NSF. I then contacted Secret Shoppers, spoke to Peter, asked him why the check he sent me wasn't any good and he told me he would contact his supervisor and someone would be calling me with in the hour. Well I waited 2 hours and called back. Peter then told me he didn't know why their customer service didn't contact me yet and would call them back and tell them to contact me at once. I let another hour go by and started looking online with the BBB. My nightmare had come true. I found their company on the BBB website and called Peter again.

I told him i still have not heard from there customer service and Peter told me to be patient. I told him NO, I will not, and that I found your company on the BBB and asked if he would like for me to read what the BBB had to say about his company. Peter said NO I don't want to hear it and Hung up on me. I tried calling back and never got an answer, it just rang and rang. I knew then I was scammed. The next day I went to my local police dept, filed a report with them and they said there is nothing they can really do to help me. I then went to my bank to inform them of the scam.

I will have to pay back my bank $2850.00 that I don't have. They closed my checking account and will turn me over to collections. My physical well being isn't going so well either knowing that I may never be able to open another checking account again. My nerves are so shot, I can't eat, and when I do finally have to eat, nothing will stay down. I have had a steady headache from not being able to stop thinking about how I got scammed and when I try and sleep, my mind won't rest enough. For the past 3 days, I have had 9 hours of sleep I THINK, if not less.

I received a check in the mail for $3,850.00 written on Citibank N. A. at One Penn's Way, New Castle, DE. 19720 by EOG Resources Inc. P.O. box 4362 Houston TX 77210. This was sent with a letter from Direct Media Agency stating that I was to cash the check immediately and take $220.00 for 3 hours of my time. I was instructed to go to Staples, Circuit City, Home Depot or Office Depot, K mart, or Wal-Mart, purchase something for no more than $100.00 and return it within 30 minutes for cash back, and then purchase something else with the cash that I would be allowed to keep for myself. Then I was instructed to go to a money gram station and transfer $3,390.00 to the accountant that was in charge of my payroll. Lisa Harrington 1298 Buxton Blvd. Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada. $20.00 was lined out for traveling fund, $120.00 for the cost of the money transfer, totaling the amount of the check. I was instructed to fill out a survey and keep all receipts to fax back to them. And of course, keep the transaction in confidence. The survey asks for such things as date and time of shopping, cleanliness, friendliness etc.

It occurred to me that there was a problem with me sending over $3000 to someone in Canada when their company was supposed to based in TX. I called EOG Resources, found them online, and they are aware of the scam and have stated that the checks are not good. Not only that, the company the check is claiming to be written by is a major oil company. I wondered why they would be paying me to launder their money through Walmart or money grams. Apparently they have not yet yet traced the source of the problem, but they have received several calls from concerned individuals. I would be happy to assist you in way I can.

Mr. Nelson offered me a part-time position as a secret shopper. Mailed me an assignment form and a check for $3800 which he had me deposit into my bank account, to withdraw $3300 to do the first assignment which was to evaluate a moneygram location which required sending money. I called the agent the next day with the receipt info from the moneygram and faxed the evaluation. Two days later the bank has me pending a negative balance of $3300 which ended up to be a fraud check. I was unsure about the business because it sounded too good to be true, so I tried contacting BBB and could not get a live soul. I then went online and it required payment.

I deposited the check into the account hoping that the total amount would raise a red flag, and the bank would make sure to verify what was needed before releasing the funds; and if there was a problem I would have been notified. That did not happen. The funds cleared, and I went to a teller 2 days later (IN PERSON) and still didn't raise a flag and withdrew $3300 in cash. Now the bank is making me liable. I keep this agent on a string making him believe everything is fine, hoping some one can HELP me.

I have to repay the bank the $3300 dollars they cleared before making sure it was valid. Now I`m deeper in a hole then I was before I took this part-time job to pay the overwhelming amount of bills I have now.

I received a check in the mail telling me to deposit to my account, then go to Wamart and J.C. Penney to purchase some item, and then get a money gram made out for $1920 to Heather Burg, and FAX the the money gram information. then they will send my next assignment. The check never cleared the bank. Now I owe the bank. The stress of trying to pay the bank is too much!

I got a check in the mail for $2,870.00. They told me to call a number to authorize the check and then deposit it into my back account. They gave me a sheet to allocate the money. Spend $100.00 at Walmart, $100.00 at JC Penny, $2100.00 for a wire transfer and the rest not sure of.

I ripped up all of the documents and threw them away. I knew it had to be a scam for me to deposit the check into my account.

I received a letter in the mail stating I had been selected to be a secret shopper. I received with the letter a cashier's check for $4880.00. It stated to go to the bank and cash the check; it also asked me to make copies of Customer Evaluation Tools. I did take the check to the bank, and the bank did tell me they would put it on a hold. I was grateful because I was suspicious. I called Consumer Connections and spoke with Theresa, and she was very rude and very short with me and told me to call when the check cleared.

Well my bank called me about a week later and did tell me this was a fraudulent check, so I immediately called Consumer Connection to find out what they were trying to do. I spoke with an Ashley this time, and when trying to get out of her what happened she said she would have to look into it--and then sent me back into the recording. I called again the next day and again spoke with Theresa who said the same thing and sent me through the recording as well. I know my bank handed the check over to the authorities, so I am hoping they catch these frauds.

I thankfully had a bank who knows me and knows that I would never do anything like that and wanted to protect me, so nothing bad came from it for me. I just want everyone to be aware!

I received a letter and a check for $4880 from a so-called Secret Shopping Co. It informed me that I had been chosen to be a mystery shopper and listed what I was supposed to do with the money from the check: a product from WalMart; a product from the Gap; a money gram and a Western Union money transfer. It had a Canadian number to call for instructions.

Fortunately, as soon as I saw the check and letter, a red light went on. I was immediately suspicious. I called the number and did not wait on hold but left a message that unless they had an 800 number they would have to call me, and that I would not do anything with the money until their check had cleared their bank. I never heard from them. I just want people to be aware of this scam.

I am filing this complaint so that no one else will full prey to this scam. I received a check, in the amount of $4,985, from Secret Shopper. I have been asked to contact Robert McIntyre, at customer services for information, before sending a Money Gram, via my local KMart and my money, to Morgan Rodgers, in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.

I filled out a questionnaire at Walmart during a summer visit. Somehow this company called Secret Shopper got my name and sent me a check for $4885.00 so I could evaluate Money Gram Company. I did and sent them back $3885.00; $180.00 was for the payment of the transaction and $820.00 for my job of evaluation. Then I faxed back the evaluation sheet with the receipt.

The check came back without funds, so now I owe the bank 4,500. which I don't have; I don't even have a job. I am getting ready for surgery; now I have to go to work to pay this money back.