From the Better Business Bureau, falling under the “Common Sense” and “If It’s Too Good To Be True, Then It Is” categories:
Beware of Mystery Shopper Mail Solicitations
A new crop of mystery shopping scams has popped up all across the United States. In response to a recent spike about mystery shopping mail solicitations received by Mississippi consumers, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Mississippi issues this consumer alert about the offers to help consumers make “easy money” by cashing large-sum cashier’s checks in order to evaluate the service they can receive.
The BBB advises the public to disregard letters or classified ads that promise fast cash and free gifts in return for performing mystery shopping and service evaluations.
With the most recent scam, consumers receive a cashier’s check which they are told to deposit at their bank and immediately wire a portion of the funds back to the sender’s address (typically outside the U. S.). The “reward” to consumers is that they keep a percentage of the original cashier’s check as payment.
“Unfortunately, in these scams the cashier’s check bounces several days later and the consumer is held liable for the entire amount of the money they wired – typically between $2,500 and $3,000,” said Bill Moak, President/CEO of the Mississippi BBB.
According to the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA), mystery shopping has gained widespread acceptance in the retail, financial services and restaurant industries by providing customer experience information. John Swinburn, MSPA Executive Director said “It is unfortunate there are scammers preying on individuals who are looking for legitimate mystery shopping opportunities.” The bottom line – if the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Consumers who feel they have been targeted by a counterfeit check scam should report it to the following agencies:
• Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357or www.ftc.gov
• U. S. Postal Inspection Service at www.usps.gov/websites/depart/inspect
• MS Attorney General Fraud Division at 800-281-4418
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