BBB: Secret Shopper E-Mail Scam Is Back
SOUTHFIELD -- The Better Business Bureau has been receiving an increased number of consumer inquiries regarding bogus "Mystery Shopper" opportunities that are showing up in consumer's mail boxes.
The letters include a fraudulent check as partial payment to get started while a portion of the money is to be wired via Western Union to a fake company in Canada.
Consumers report that the letter states, "We are pleased to invite you to participate in a paid consumer research project in your area as a Mystery Shopper." The letter goes on to mention earning extra cash for secret shopper assignments at local businesses and instructs the recipient to deposit the enclosed check and use the funds to cover the first week's shopping assignments. Details are provided on how to use the money that ultimately tells the "shopper" to wire a portion of the money via Western Union.
The bogus "shopper" company uses a legitimate Michigan company, Slingshot Brokers Inc. in Brooklyn, Mich., on the fake check. A spokesperson for Slingshot Brokers, Inc. informed the BBB that they have received nearly 100 calls regarding the fraudulent checks and have alerted their local police department, as well as their bank of the scam using their name. Slingshot Brokers has no affiliation to the fraudulent operation.
"Scammers are targeting the unemployed and they prey on the emotions of those in desperate situations," said Patrick Bennett, BBB Director of Community Relations. "Getting a job offer including a check to get started can be enticing, but depositing the check will result in a more dire situation."
The BBB cautions consumers to be skeptical of anyone sending a check to deposit then wire transfer money in return. The check issued is counterfeit and, if deposited, will be returned to the bank as unpaid. As a result, the full amount wired will be deducted from the bank account and become the responsibility of the scam victim.
Al Fifield, Senior Vice President of Business Banking at PNC Bank wants consumers to know that banks are required to follow the 'next-day availability' rules as required by Federal Regulation CC to make deposited funds available.
"However, this does not necessarily mean the funds have cleared and it could take several business days before the check is discovered to be counterfeit," Fifield said.
BBB advises consumers to steer free of these typical check or wire transfer scam scenarios:
* You are selling something online but the buyer overpays you then asks you to wire transfer back the extra dollars.
* You receive a check and notification that you have won a lottery or sweepstakes. * You are asked to deposit the check and wire transfer back a portion to cover taxes or fees.
* Work-at-home offers that promise a percentage of the money if you deposit a check or money order and wire transfer the remaining percentage back.
* Someone in a chat room asks you as a favor to cash their check and wire transfer them the money.
If you feel you have been a victim of this scam please contact the Postal Inspection Service office at (877) 876-2455 and file a complaint with your BBB at (248) 223-9400 or online at www.easternmichiganbbb.org/complaints.
For more information or to report suspicious solicitations, go to www.bbb.org.
