The victim of this scam is provided with a fake check or cheque and is advised to cash it and then asked to use some of the proceeds to do some form of mystery shopping at Western Union, some stores or other money transfer companies. Also, the victim may be asked to take part in surveys or other promotional services.
How this scam works?
The scammers behind this fraudulent scheme will ask the victim to transfer funds to unknown individuals and retain the balance from the cashed check as payment.
But, the counterfeit check will bounce and the victim who cashes the check or cheque will be held responsible for the money lost in the transaction and any additional fees imposed by his or her bank.
The Mystery or Secret Shopping Check Cashing Email Scams
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Customer Insights Survey!!!
Dear Prospective Shopper,
We are currently accepting limited number of applications from competent shoppers to evaluate Western Union's services and programs, both in-store and on their Website.
Job Description & Responsibilities;
(1) As our shopper posing as normal customers, you will be required to visit the nearest outlet near you to perform specific tasks such as purchasing a product or using a service.
(2) Funds will be provided in form of a Certified Check to cover the expenses of evaluating the outlet.
(3) While there, you will secretly evaluate things like customer service, store cleanliness and quality of service rendered.
(4) Upon completion of the survey you're to simply send us an E-mail with your rating of the store.
Payment Terms;
You will receive a flat sum of $200.00 per assignment. It's fun and rewarding. There is no charge to become a volunteer and You do not require any special skills for this opening.
Application Procedure;
We would like you to participate because it's Fun & Rewarding, please fill out the Application below as we hope to Welcome You to PineCone Research ;
Full Names:
Address Line 1:
Address Line 2:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Home Phone Number:
Cell / Mobile Phone Number:
We're dedicated to providing our customers the best services possible, and you can help!
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So, be careful of anyone that asks you to cash a check and wire funds. Victims of this scam have reported to have lost thousands of dollars because companies do hire secret shoppers and it is hard to distinguish between what is a scam and what is not.
Remember, legitimate companies will never send you a check out of the blue or require you to send money to someone you have never met.
Click here to read about this same scam which uses the PineCone Research name and logo fraudulently.