The Better Business Bureau is advising that another scam is being perpetrated on citizens in our area. This scam involves the victim receiving a letter the letter looks legitimate telling the victim to expect a check in the mail. Upon receiving the check the victim is to cash the check and keep a portion and wire the rest to another location. THE CHECK IS FAKE. do not attempt to cash this check your bank will make you pay the amount of the check. Another type of this same fraud asks the victim to become a mystery shopper and take the money and buy certain items. This scam may state that they are representing the Measure Consumer Perspectives out of Louisville, Ky. This company is legitimate however they never ask for money to be wired anywhere and this company is working with the FTC and FBI to resolve this matter.
If you fall victim to this scam the BBB suggests that you contact the FBI office.Mystery shopping is not a quick and easy way to make a large sum of money and receive “freebies.” The Mystery Shopping Providers Assn. has developed the following tips for those interested in becoming a mystery shopper:
· Prospective shoppers do not have to pay a fee to become a mystery shopper. Shoppers should be extremely wary of any mystery shopper offer that requests a fee.
· Visit the MSPA Web site (www.mysteryshop/org.shoppers) for a list of reputable mystery shopping companies and opportunities. Contact the companies directly, not the MSPA for more info on how to become a shopper.
· Be patient. It takes time, sometimes months or even longer, to be contacted with an offer to conduct a shopping assignment.
· Be cautious of opportunities that offer large sums of money for simple tasks like cashing a check or wiring money. A typical shopping evaluation will earn about $8 to $20. If an assignment sounds too good to be true, IT PROBABLY IS.
PLEASE DO NOT LET THESE CROOKS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOU IT IS ALMOST ALWAYS THE CASE THAT NO ONE EVER SENDS YOU MONEY IN THE MAIL