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In this bad times, we find the need to warn fellow netizens, friends,
and newbie surfers about this scam. The recession have caused the
unemployment level to rise and as a result there are more people
looking for jobs. If you come across such a scheme called “Mystery
Shopper” through an unsolicited email, please becareful. This is in
fact a fake check scam, and was reported on our site as well as other
websites.
The scam is quite simple. The job offers include a package delivery to your home, that includes the “assignment”, some forms, and most importantly, a check. There are 3 key elements in this scam:
1) The check is a fake check. You can send the check to the bank and the cash will be release to you in 3 days, but after say 10 days, the bank will ask you to return the money because it is a fake. If you used the cash before the 10 days, you must return the cash to the bank.
2) The scammer will insist that you “spend” the money from the check that they sent you in 2 days, or you will lose your job.
3) And finally, the scam works by asking you to pose as a “customer” and wiring the money to a “company” to pay for something. If you do this within the 2 days, you are effectively using YOUR OWN cash to wire to the scammer. The check will eventually be bounced.
Below is an example of a Mystery Shopper email that we just received from a report. Also note that a common giveaway is that scammers like to use free email address so that they cannot be tracked. This happens often but not always. We have seen cases when a scammer can register a domain name using a stolen credit card, just for a short period of time before disappearing.
Updated: 1 May 09, includes latest scam mail below.
—–Attached—–
Date: Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 7:45 PM
Subject: Top Consult Co., Inc.
To: undisclosed-recipients
Top Consult Co., Inc.
ITALY OFFICE: Via Casillina Rome,
Rome, Roma 03100
Tel:+39-333-718-2303
mysteryshopitaly@yahoo.com.hk
VACANT POST AS A MYSTERY SHOPPER @ Top consult Co.,Inc (WORLDWIDE
RECRUITMENT EXERCISE)
Hello and how are you doing , This is a awareness to let the public
know that we have a vacancy post of a mystery
shopper in our company and we would like to know your interest in
working for Top consult Co.,Inc In Your location
anywhere in the world. Your job as a mystery shopper would be quite
effective and we would provide more details on
the job as soon as you get back to us with the details requested
indicating your Interest in working with us.
Kindly provide the below information for assessment and registration
of the company.
Full Legal Name :
Address :
zip code :
country :
Nationality :
Home and Cell # :
formation requested above to the E-mail address given below
Mr Marston Charles
mysteryshopitaly@yahoo.com.hk
Tel:+39-333-718-2303
Other Countries: (E-mail Only)
As a mystery shopper you work and shop together for pleasure and the
pay is $400 weekly on Part time basis , You
only work 2-3hours twice in a week. Do get back to the recruiting
department of Top consult Co.,Inc
N:B – IF YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BE CHECKING YOUR MAIL AND
REPLYING THEM ON A DAILY BASIS,THEN YOU ARE
NOT QUALIFIED FOR THIS OFFER
Your response would be highly appreciated.
Thanks.
Mr Marston Charles
Top Consult Co., Inc.
ITALY OFFICE: Via Casillina Rome,
Rome, Roma 03100
Tel:+39-333-718-2303
mysteryshopitaly@yahoo.com.hk
Visit us at www.UHhospitals.org.
The enclosed information is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL and is intended for
the use of the addressee only. University Hospitals and its affiliates
disclaim any responsibility for unauthorized disclosure of this
information to anyone other than the addressee.
Federal and Ohio law protect patient medical information, including
psychiatric_disorders, (H.I.V) test results, A.I.Ds-related
conditions, alcohol, and/or drug_dependence or abuse disclosed in this
email. Federal regulation (42 CFR Part 2) and Ohio Revised Code
section 5122.31 and 3701.243 prohibit disclosure of this information
without the specific written consent of the person to whom it
pertains, or as otherwise permitted by law.
—– Latest 1 May 09 —–
From: Martins Wood <martinwood20091@gmail.com>
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Sent: Thu, 30 Apr 2009 9:00 am
Subject: Work At Home mystery shoppers Offer
Dear Sir /Madam
F A Consulting Firm needs mystery shoppers From any where in USA, CANADA AND
AUSTRALIA as part-time worker. No application fee Required,Applicant must be 18
years and above, must check email 2 -3 times in a day to read updates from us
and be honest. You will earn $300 on each transaction by being our mystery
shopper. Your employment packet include business evaluation form and a training
Instructions which will be sent to you via email after you have received
payment.A Paycheck or money order of $3,200 will be sent to you for the first
Evaluation by our finance company,you are to deduct your $300 commission, and
the rest will be used for the evaluation at the store that you will be
instructed to go.This Evaluation can take place five times or more in a week so
you can end up earning for yourself close to $2000 or more in a week.
1. Business evaluation form: This is the form you are required to fill after you
visit any shopping mall in your area as directed,you will be given the store
name and address which you are required to evaluate its customer service and
quality control after their services are rendered to you. You will be required
to fill a form to rate the employee(s), the form will be given to you after the
evaluation at the store.
2. Training Instructions: You are hired to evaluate the quality of services of
the store or mall that will be given to you . You are needed to rate the
employees.
Interested shopper should please Enclose their information below for you to
start with us.
First Name:
Last Name:
Contact Address (P.O.Box Not Required):
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Home Phone:
Cell Phone:
Age:
Male/Female:
Email Address:
What you do for living:
Thanks for responding, We will wait for your full details .
P:S: After you have emailed your information to us ,You should endeavor to check
your email 2-3 times in a day to read updates from us.
Rev. Martin Wood
F A CONSULTING
614 6th Ave,
Lyndhurst, NJ 07071.
martinwood20091@gmail.com
