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"Secret Shopping Scam":
January 2006
A client from the State of Oklahoma contacted our office. His family member received a letter from which appeared to be from a legitimate "Secret Shopping Company". The company sent her a letter to participate in a secret shopping investigation. This scam is very enticing since they allege to pay their victims $175.00 per hour.
The letter included a cashier's cheque in the amount of $3,865.00 in addition to a summary of what was required in the investigation. The cashier's cheque was bogus. The name of the bank reported on the cheque was North Brookfield Savings Bank, 36 Summer Street, N. Brookfield, MA, 01535-1417. This bank does not exist. She was requested to cash the cheque at her bank, and attend to a Walmart location in the United States. She was instructed to attend at the Moneygram Service inside Walmart to evaluate the service. At the same time, she was instructed to wire the funds to a specified location in New Brunswick.
After completing her evaluation from, she submitted the results to the company only later to discover the cashiers's cheque was fraudulent. This company was traced to Winnipeg, Manitoba, operating as "Secret Shoppers", 1555 Regent Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2C 2J4. Their telephone number is listed as (204) 962-1735. If you receive a letter from a David Bradley or Jamie Ingrams similar to the above, do not respond. This is a scam.
Secret Shopping Scam #2: March 2006
A client from the State of Arizona received the same letter as above. She was requested to cash the cheque that she received from the same company at her bank and then attend at a Moneygram in Walmart to evaluate the service as part of the Mystery Shoppers Program. She was instructed to wire the money to a "relative" in Moncton, New Brunswick. She participated in this assignment twice before realizing it was a scam. She went to her bank immediately after and was informed there was nothing the bank could do in an effort to recover her money. She lost approximately $7000.
Our client had been speaking with a woman she identified as Jada. Her telephone number is (204) 952-7443. If you receive a letter in the mail from the Secret Shopping Company, do not respond. This is a Scam.
Please also be aware that on the Secret Shoppers Letterhead, the scam artists are using the logos of Pizza Hut, Money Gram International, GAP, McDonald's, Budget, Sears, Wendys, Walmart and Starbucks in an effort to make it look authentic.
Identity Theft Scam:
We acted for a client in Alberta whose daughter was a victim of identity theft in the amount of $7800.00. The daughter lost her identification years ago and never reported it stolen. She discovered accounts were set up under her name without her consent at some major retail establishments. We tracked the identity of the thief with the assistance of the fraud department within one of the retail establishments. A police report has been filed. If this happens to you, make sure you report your identity stolen immediately. Also, it's important for retail corporations to invest more time in due diligence prior to granting credit to individuals, especially corporations selling products online. Ensure that you can confirm the identity of the individual prior to granting credit. Major retail outlets should have photo identification of the person applying for credit and to be able to positively identify with the purchaser. The move towards online shopping has become a major contributor to identity theft. Major retail outlets granting credit must due their due diligence to protect consumers from fraudulent activity. Courier companies delivering products must also be able to ensure the identity of the person to whom they are delivering. Requesting photo identification prior to delivery will help prevent identity theft.
Consignment Scam:
We acted for a client in a civil matter in Manitoba who was a victim of a consignment scam. He placed a major asset on consignment only to later find out the company no longer has the asset. If you decide to sell major assets on consignment, check out the company first and make sure they are reputable. If you are going to sell property on consignment, ensure there is a written agreement that outlines the terms of the consignment and have a third party witness the agreement. Included in this agreement, should be the amount of funds agreed upon for both parties, a third party witness, and a picture of the asset with the date and time stamp.
Secret Shopper Scam # 3
In May 2006, we received a call from a police officer from the State of Maryland. He said his wife received a call from a woman that identified herself as Jada. She said she was from the Secret Shoppers Company. They had an unlisted telephone number and when his wife asked how she received the number Jada told her that she received the number from people that have previously applied for jobs. The police officer's wife never previously applied for this job. Jada advised that she would mail out the letter to her with respect to the assignment. Thank goodness she was married to a police officer. He conducted research into this company, and found our site, Duncan Investigations. He then realized this was a scam and contacted our office. We advised him to contact Phone Busters and file a report. The telephone number that she is using is (204) 887-4902. Duncan Investigations prevented a serious crime!
May 23, 2006: Secret Shopper Scam #4: The following is an email we received:
"Just to let you know that I am in New York, and received a check for $3660 after a brief, weird phone call about this secret shopper service. The odd letter asks to wire the total (breakdown is given) which would potentially be taken as cash from my bank account to the address on their letterhead to someone I don't know or a company I have never heard of. Very odd, but then again, seeing a bank check for a large amount made out to your name could be very tantalizing, and I suppose temporarily short-circuit some people's common sense.
Thank you for informing the web public. If not for web sites like yours, many more people would be getting scammed.
Here is the pertinent info. from the letter I received:
F - 204-951-0597"
Reply by email: May 25, 2006: : Thank you for your response. We also believe our site is valuable. We don't just talk about crime, we actually prevent it.
Follow up: The name she is using is Theresa Randall. We need to verify if this is her real name.
Follow -up June 12, 2006; The above names and addresses are not authentic.
May 23, 2006: Secret Shopper Scam #5: The following is an email we received:
"Dear Janie:
I received the same "Moneygram" scam info in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I investigated before doing anything. If it seems to good to be true, it usually is.
Who do I send my info to? I still have all the paperwork, including the check."
Reply by email: Thank you for your email. File a complaint with your local police and Phone Busters as noted above. I am glad you are a smart consumer. When it's too good to be true, check it out. Again, we are happy to have prevented a crime. Janie.
Secret Shopping Scam #6 - May 29, 2006
We received a call from Annie B. in the State of Colorado. She received a secret shoppers letter assignment along with a cheque for the amount of $3240.00. The bank is listed as Integrated Payment Systems Incorporated, Inglewood, Colorado. The telephone number on the cheque is 1-888-416-9283. She advised the name reported on the assignment is Sandra Thompson. Her address is listed at Unit 3-55 Rouge Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3K 1J9. Her telephone number is listed as (204) 951-6208. Again, the secret shoppers letterhead is using logos from the corporations as stated above in an effort to look authentic. Annie said she called the bank and they advised sufficient funds were in that account. We advised her the "alleged bank" is apart of the scam and not to cash the cheque but to send it to her local police and file a complaint with Phone Busters. She said the police advised her they get hundreds of these complaints. Annie found our site, Duncan Investigations, and once again, we prevented a serious crime.
We will be maintaining all your names and addresses privately, however, we will report all scams on this site as they come in. If you are a victim of an economic crime, we would like to hear from you. Email Janie at duncanj@mts.net
Secret Shopping Scam #7: May 30, 2006
Email sent on 05-30-06 at 08:35:31 EST/EDT.
Mark E. from the State of New Jersey writes:
"Janie, I saw your information on the Duncan Investigation web site and wanted to report what I just received last Friday, 5/26/06. I received a call from Jason Bradshaw (204-951-7703) from Secret Shoppers a little over a week ago asking if I would be interested in being a Secret Shopper. I have been looking for a "part time" work from home type of job so thought that this would be interesting. He stated that I would be receiving the information in the mail shortly. This past Friday, 5/26/06, I received a letter from Secret Shoppers (signed by Mike Young) including an Official Check addressed to me from Wachovia Bank, NA in the amount of $3,660. This check was to evaluate the MoneyGram service at Wal-mart. From the check for $3,660, I was to visit a Wall-mart and have them issue a MoneyGram to a relative of mine in Edmonton, Alberta Canada in the amount of $3,195. The remainder amount left over was the service charge for MoneyGram of $115 and my fee for 2 hours of work at $175 / hour (totaling $350). The strange part was that the MoneyGram to be sent to Canada was to a name that was the same as my 2 year old daughter who lives with me in Monroe NJ USA. Very strange!! Is there some kind of fraud here? This makes me very nervous. After reading all of these scams on the internet, I paid a visit to Wachovia Bank today who stated that they would have cashed the check for me as long as I presented 2 forms of id. I asked them to validate the legitimacy of the check and after doing so, the bank teller told me that the account number on the check was 1 digit to short. The information received from Secret Shoppers was as follows: Position: Customer Service Evaluator Rep Id#: 02283AK76 Address on top of the letter stated: 87 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B2 T+ 1 (204) 951-7703 F+ 1 (204) 951-0597 Any questions, please contact me. Please let me know what I should do with this check and letter that I just received. Thank you! Sincerely, Mark E."
Note: We have protected Mark's surname and address information only. We have advised him to make a report to his local police and phone busters above.
We are happy you found our valuable site. We truly believe that we are making a difference given the number of emails we have received in such a short period of time. The internet has proven to be the best media kit in the world.
We will continue to monitor the case, and provide our readers with information with respect to our progress. I anticipate to have further information shortly. Please provide us with the FED EX account information.
Secret Shoppers Scam #8: June 4, 2006
"I have received a letter and a check similar to the ones being reported on your web site. I am instructed to make a wire transfer through a local Walmart. This sounded to fishy so I didn't do it and investigated it.
Where do I report this. I live in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
Reply: Thank you. Make a complaint to your local police and Phone Busters above.
Secret Shopper Scam #9: June 10, 2006
I received Secret Shopper letter with a check amount of $3660 with my name and do the Money Gram assignment in Walmart. I just read the scam advertised in the Duncan Investigation. I do not plan to do anything at all, should I just shred the letter and the check?
I live in Alpharetta, Georgia
Regards, Senlin C. "
Hi Senlin.
File a report with your local police, and phone busters above. Keep the material for legal purposes. Janie
Secret Mystery Shopping Scam #10 - June 12, 2006
"Thank you for your website which I was able to get when I put 888-416-9283 into www.Google.com.
Is there anything I can do on my part to help catch these criminals?
I am a victim of a Secret Shopper Scam. I was interviewed by Michael Tate of Secret Shoppers stating he got my resume for a Customer Service Representative from www.craigslist.com, a web site where I listed my resume as I am currently seeking employment.
He interviewed me for about 12 minutes and then said he would call me back to let me know if I was hired. I received a telephone call a couple of days later from Mr. Tate stating I was hired and would be receiving an information packet in the mail.
Today, June 12, 2006, I received a letter from Secret Shoppers and a check from Wachovia Bank in the amount of $3,450.00 asking me to purchase a MoneyGram from Wal-Mart in the amount of $3,085.00, $115.00 for the fee and $250.00 for me; this must take place within 48 hours and to send it to one of my relatives he would call Grace ?? at ?? Halifax Nova Scotia, Canada,??
The remitter on the check is listed as Malcolm Richards and the check states: Issued by Integrated Systems, Inc. Englewood, Colorado to Wachovia, For inquiries regarding this instrument, Phone 1-888-416-9283.
I went to my bank to ask how long it would take for the check to clear and was told the check is a fake as it does not have a watermark.
I am so glad I did not deposit this check and draw out the money as requested.
Is there anything I can do on my part to help catch these criminals?
Reply: Hi Gail, thank you for your email. These criminals are from Toronto, Ontario, and not Winnipeg, Manitoba. Their cellular service is provided by Fido. The addresses they are using do not exist. If they sent the material by Fed Ex, provide me with the account number. Janie Duncan
Thank you for your reply. The information was sent by regular mail and in a plain white envelope without a return address. I am from Missouri. Gail H."
Secret Mystery Shopping Scam #11- June 13, 2006
I wish that I would have read about your company before I lost $3660.00. We live in Frisco Texas and also fell for this scam. We went to our local bank, asked the teller if the check was legal, she informed us that as long as it said "Official Check" across the top it was just as good as a cashier's check. We took the cash and went to Walmart. Two days after we were informed that our account had been frozen and we needed to replace the $3660 that the bank had deposited into our account.
We have an appointment with our local police department on Thursday.
NEVER AGAIN--needless to say WE HAVE LEARNED OUR LESSON.
The W's"
Reply: I am sorry to hear you were a victim. I have posted your information so we can prevent others from being scammed. Janie
Secret Mystery Shopping Scam #12 - June 14, 2006
"The secret shopper scam artist must be still at large, from Canada.
I received a call, on my cell phone, a week and half ago about secret shoppers. I wondered where they got my cell phone number. I recently posted a resume on Jobster. I'm not 100% sure it was Jobster.com.
I told the lady to go ahead and send the information in the mail. Today I received a check in the amount of $3,660.00, asking me to MoneyGram from Walmart, to a Michael Cooper in Vancouver, BC, Canada "to evaluate effectiveness and efficiency...available at Wal-Mart." The check looks like it is an official check from Wachovia Bank.
I went to my bank to verify it's authenticity. The serial number on the check was invalid. Also, the number for Integrated Payment Systems Inc.: 1-888-416-9283. No one is answering. A machine is answering the phone.
I typed in the 1-888 phone number at Google search and your web site appeared.
Thank you for the information you provide. I am going to report my information to the local police.
Thank you again"
Fundex Financial Trust, Lottery Payment Scam #1 - June 14, 2006
"My name is Amy D.? My address and phone number are: ? Yesterday June 12, 2006 I received a letter from a place called Fundex Financial Trust, Lottery Payment and Verification Brokerage. Their address and phone number are: 90 Lowson Crescent Winnipeg MB R3P 2H8....204-951-2400. The letter is very professional. There is a reference number of 704-EMG-40 0027-06. They tell me I have been accorded 2nd Tier Winner Status and that I have won $182,610.00 U.S.D. in the North American Prize Pool. I have been sent a check # 195111 with an embossment from the Great Western Bank of Omaha, Nebraska,68104-1040. It is for $2,896.34 U.S.D. and is supposed to be payable through Firstar Bank of Minnesota, N.A. St. Paul, MN. At the bottom of the check there is a check number (000195111)...a tracking number (096016765)...and an account number (0140010019861). Is Fundex Financial Trust a real company and is this a legitimate address and phone number. Is the check I have been sent thus far a real check, or is all of this a fraud? I am a very poor single mother of 3 with a broken down car and a leaking roof. Please look into this place for me if you can, for I have no way to pay you. The letter states that I have until Friday June 16, 2006 by 5:00 p.m. your time to claim my prize but I do not have long-distance service and the man who called for me says that I must call them...they refuse to call me. Email me at ? or call me at the number stated above. If this is fake, I am sorry for bothering you and if this is real I do not want to lose out. Thank you, Amy."
Reply: Yes, this is fake Amy, and don't reply. It is a scam. Janie
June 15, 2006: Secret Shopping Scam #13
"I too got a random call from a Kym Bailey at Secret Shoppers, being suspicious I looked up the number in google and realized it was from manitoba ???? PH # used was 204-951-5356 address listed on letterhead 18-9th st Brandon MB R7A-4A3 she interviewed me for 10 min and then said someone would get back to me.....
well they never did get back to me, but they did send me a Check for $3160.00 in an envelope with no return address? and some instructions on going to Wal mart Moneygram etc... I was immediately suspicious, and the check from Wachovia stated there was a watermark on the check but there wasn't, and the Wachovia Logo was not a Hi-res image it was a little rough so I knew it was a fake check.
I found this site after looking for "secret shopper scams" in Google. I feel bad for people who actually cashed this check
Thanks "
Reply: Great news James. Thanks for the email. Janie
News
At Duncan Investigations, we are currently investigating bank/teller responsibilities with respect to cashing cheques in the United States. If you have reliable information about any case law or other material, please send it to our attention, to assist in our research. Thank you.
June 15, 2006; Secret Shopping Scam #14
"Hi, it was good to speak to you today.
A woman left a message three times on my cellphone
saying she was calling from Secret Shopper. I assumed
that she found my resume online, but am not sure.
I ignored the first two calls, but then decided to respond
for the third. Googled 'secret@shopper AND scam' and
saw that people use this type of scam all of the time. When
I called her she was a little evasive, and really was trying to
sell me - even after I told her I was not really interested.
When I asked her for some details, she started by saying
that 'There is no need to send in a fee" - which I knew she
was a scammer since I consider that laughable. She would
not answer my question about 'how much does it pay' and
really avoided this. Told her that $100 per hour would be
my minimum and that I cannot afford to waste time with it.
You can call her back and tell her you are my wife working
on a consulting project in Canada and want to reconsider.
J. in Dallas Texas."
Reply: Thanks for the email J. Janie
Fundex Financial Trust, Lottery Payment Scam #2 - June 20, 2006
"As we talked about and you requested on Tues., 6/20:
The check she received for $2,894.78 was drawn on the UMB bank and the remitter name listed was PETER M.COX.
We did take the check to the UMB bank here in my city and gave them a copy of the check and the letter. The bank teller informed us that part of the check is accurate, but many parts are not.
My mother-in-law received a letter from the FundEx Financial Trust, 1001 Main Street West, Hamilton, On L8P IK6, Tel. 1-905-920-4681 Fax: 1-732-301-8636
The letter was addressed to her with her home address in the state of Kentucky. Other information listed follows:
Attention: REF. No. NAP/02/2006/G274
46110120000011 0000234 612
06EMG-40 0027-024 CO12 (s) XXX34
SUBJECT: AWARD CLAIM NOTIFICATION.
This is to inform you of the release of the North American Prize Pool held on Friday, May 06, 2006. We are also pleased to inform you that after a computerized drawing process of all entries and detailed analysis, your name came out as one of the names accorded a WINNER STATUS in the 3rd category.
Your name attached to ticket number 041-2217-632 with serial number 4216-08 drew the lucky numbers of 21-23-33-37-41-49 to win in the 3rd category. Consequently, you have been approved for the lump sum payout of $182,610.00USD in cash credited to file with Ref. No. NAPP/64938/00347. This is from a total cash prize of $5327,260.00 USD shared among winners in this category. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!
All participants were selected through a computerized ballot system drawn from 25,000 names from ASIA, EUROPE, and NORTH AMERICA. Due to the enormous participation throughout the world, a highly sophisticated security measures and protocols have been instituted to maintain the integrity of the program as well as to avoid double and unscrupulous claims. We therefore, ask that you protect your reference and batch numbers until your claim is processed and the money remitted to you.
Enclosed is a check for Two Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-four and 78/dollars to be used for the payment of administrative and clearance fees on your award. For authorization of this check and processing of your next check, please contact your claim agent, Janice Baldwin at: 1-905-920-4681. To ensure that your claim is promptly processed, please quote your reference and batch number in all correspondence with us or to your agent to avoid unnecessary delays. All prize money must be claimed not later than FRIDAY, June 02, 2006.
IMPORTANT; YOUR NEXT CHEQUE WILL BE MADE OUT IN THE NAME STATED ABOVE AND SENT TO THE ADDRESS SHOWN. PLEASE VERIFY YOUR NAME AND INITIALS AS GIVEN AND ADVISE YOUR AGENT OF ANY CHANGES.
On behalf of our staff and sponsors, I wish you all the best and once again, Congratulations!!
Best regards,
(there is a signature)
Edward Barlett (Finance Director)
There is a bar code with the following printed underneath it:
Batch No.704 EMG-40 0027-06
My mother-in-law did respond but only gave the man on the phone the reference number and batch numbers on the letter as requested. She was instructed not to give out any other information and she was told that the next check would arrive in 3-5 business days.
Now she is concerned that they somehow might be able to do something like identity theft. What should she do?
Thank you for your time and consideration."
Reply: Thanks Patty. It is very simple, don't respond as this is a scam.
July 11, 2006: Secret Shoppers Scam #15
"Hello, my name is Christina. Recently, while job-searching, I received a phone call from a certain "Michael Tate" with Secret Shoppers. He said with my history in customer service, I was a wonderful candidate for their company. He proceeded to send me a check for $3450 and a letter instructing me to deposit in my account and within 48 hours to mail a moneygram from walmart to a "relative" in Nova Scotia. My family and I quickly felt it was a scam and did some research. Sure enough, I found your web site and saved myself a lot of trouble! I just wanted to thank you for the information on the site. You guys rock!
July 11, 2006 Scam; Secret Shoppers Scam #16
I, too received a call from Michael Tate and a very official-looking letter... however, the letter was not signed, only printed... I knew Michael Tate was a familiar name... so I googled it. It's a Christian singer! I also googled the address on the letterhead, which came up as an apparel store in Winnipeg. I continued my research and found your site. I have yet to even attempt anything with this, as it took me over a week to get the information and just received it tonight.
Mr. "Tate" also claimed he had found me on Craigslist, and followed the same procedure of a telephone interview. All the information on the check is the same, except for the telephone number, which is 1-866-883-6269. I also received it in a white envelope with no return address. I am about to go to my local police station. Will that do any good?
Janie: , yes, also file a complaint with the phonebusters link above.
July 27, 2006 - Secret Shopping Scam #17
Thank God I ran across your website today! I narrowly avoided being taken in by this very same scam. As a matter of fact, I just deposited the check from Secret Shoppers into my account last night via the ATM. Something about the whole situation just seemed too good to be true and I decided to do some investigating this morning.
We received a letter from Secret Shoppers on Tuesday July 25, 2006. My wife had spoken with them about home-based work opportunities and they were only supposed to send her some written information in the mail. They sent a check instead with instructions exactly like those listed in the accounts on your website. Our check was for $3450. We were supposed to go to Wal-Mart and send a moneygram to a fake relative in Canada in the amount of $3035. $115 was the Moneygram charge and $300 would be our payment for conducting the "investigation".
August 3, 2006 Secret Shopping Scam #18
I almost fell for the Secret Shopper Scam. My husband checked it out prior to my going to bank this AM.
I am in receipt of all they sent me, and VERY ANGRY, but happy I was not victim.
I received a secret shoppers letter assignment along with a check for the amount of $3240.00. The bank is listed as Integrated Payment Systems Incorporated, Inglewood, Colorado, Wachovia Bank logo. The telephone number on the check is 1-902-412-1757. The name reported on the check as remitter is Sandra Thompson. The secret shoppers letterhead is using logos from the corporations as stated above in an effort to look authentic. I called the bank and they advised sufficient funds were in that account. I was even given a confirmation number #4213902
I was told by Christopher Frances of Secret Shopper to send money gram to Kristin Robichaud, "my last name"
When done I was to fax all paper work to Susan Waterfield Fax# 1-204-951-2731
August 4, 2006: Secret Shopping Scam #19
I just received a check from Secret Shoppers in Winnipeg in the amount of 3,125.00. I was very uncomfortable with the ambiguous letter that was sent with it. So, I called them. Sharon explained what I was to do. I immediately got on the internet to investigate this group. I found your site and see that I was right, this is a scam. Thanks!
August 9, 2006: Secret Shopping Scam #20
Another one for the fire: received a check for $3,600.00 and was
asked to use MoneyGram at WalMart to send $3,195.00 to someone in
Halifax. Using an address out of Winnipeg and has all the logos
mentioned above. Reported it to PhoneBusters.
-Christopher J
August 16, 2006: Secret Shopping Scam #21
I was researching this secret shoppers job I had received a call on last week. I'm a full time student and was looking for a job that would be flexible with my schedule. I heard about these secret shopper people and actually knew someone who was one, so I thought I would give it a shot. I received my "probational assignment" two days ago and was told i had 48 hours in which to complete it. I ran across your site today and was reading some of the scams... which sound frightenly similar to what I had received. Of course me not knowing I continued with the assignment, sending a money gram to a relative in Nicolet Quebec, Canada. I am in the process of trying to track the cashiers check they sent me and who it was through. Please if you have any further information you can give me and how I might find out if this is actually a lignite company, I am welcome to anything! This has me worried through and through... here is the information I have on the Company:
3000 Olive Street, Halifax, NS, B3L 4A1
August 30, 2006: Secret Shopping Scam #22
Dear Sir or Madam:
I recently received a Secret Shoppers cashiers check to purchase a Money Gram from Calmar in Colorado.
The "Company" is Secret Shoppers located at Vancouver, BC. Address 340 50 Ave. SE Vancouver, BC T2G2B1. Phone (604)338-1597. I checked the bank, Prosperity Bank in St. Augustine, Fl and they verified funds are available payment to me, Steve He il. Do you have any information on this company? Please contact me asap.
Thank you for your response,
.
Hi,
I just found out about the whole “Secret Shopper Scam” through applying for a job on careerbuilder.com that was soliciting people who’d like to become a “Customer Service Evaluator” for our region (Shreveport, LA). The job advertisement lists a contact number for you to call if interested. Upon calling, you speak with a representative who asks for your address and you’re told a package will be sent to you explaining everything you need to do. When I received my package, the official letter (assignment) and cashier’s check looked very official. The letterhead had the Secret Shopper’s TM logo at the top and the bottom of the letter listed legitimate participating businesses such as Gap, Starbucks, Wal-Mart and others. I was told that I needed to contact 1-403-307-2393 to validate the cashier’s check included in my package to complete the assignment. My assignment was to go to any Wal-Mart to evaluate their MoneyGram service. This assignment was a probationary assignment that needed to be completed within 48 hours. The assignment explained that the cashier’s check included was to be spent accordingly: $300.00 would go to me for paid training ($150.00 per hour), $2485 would be sent by MoneyGram to my “cousin” who was given a fictitious first name and my last name that lived in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, and the remainder $50 would be for the MoneyGram fee. I was told by a representative named Samantha that upon completion of this assignment, my next assignment would mostly like be a Starbucks Assignment. Since I was leery of this whole thing, I looked up the bank online that was listed on the cashier’s check. The bank listed on the check was legitimate to include the address and logo. The next thing I compared was the routing number on the check to what was listed on their website and the two numbers did not match. I then spoke to a bank representative who informed me that their bank does not issue cashier’s checks and the whole thing was fraudulent. I shredded the whole thing and my coworker and I did some research and we found your site. Just FYI, the other number listed on my assignment letter was 1-604-338-1597. Thank you
Thank you for providing this service. I would like to comment that you may want to advise your support personnel who answer the phones to be a little friendlier. I could barely tell the lady who answered the phone why I was calling before she was interrupting me and cutting off my words. She very quickly told me to just send an email to the address listed on the site. While I understand that she probably receives a ton of calls about the same thing all day - which can be very hard, her customer service could very easily cause someone to be turned off and not report their story which would do us all a disservice. Thank you so much for your time and effort.
//SIGNED//
B. D. TSgt, USAFR
Thank you for your feedback. As you can appreciate, it is clearly noted on the top of page to email your requests.
December 17, 2006
ok here is more info phone number is 1-450-751-0011 REF# is mititi/102805/0014
state with serial # 041-2217-632 which i typed in googe and it brought me to you. after this number states, won the prize pool in the second drawing category. Being one of the luck winners in this catagory, you are hereby approved to receive the sum of US $25,000 dollars. This amount is from a total Merchant International Christmas cash prize of US $1,000,000.00 shared amongest twenty (40) winners in this category. Be easier to fax? all this. at end sincerely yours koby jones director account services allwinnings claimed no latter than 12/20/06 you have most of info? the check is payable in united states currency thgrough the manhattan, bronx and brooklyn collection arrangement at royal bank of canada, new york branch in ammount of $3,000.00 check # 53382 date 12/04/2006 kelron logistics (carrier account) is shown on check 4400 dominion street ste#280 BC Canada V5G 4G3 and place for signature on back. me david
January 16, 2007
Good Evening
I received a variation of the secret shopper scam - from a Zagat Survey and suspicious address in Winnipeg, and it matched the information you provided. Thanks for providing that information on the Internet!!!
L T. in WA State
January 26, 2007:
I got involved in a scam. Global Consumer Servides called me to offer a
job as a secret shopper and the same thing that happend to the other persons
listed in your web site happend to me. I have all the docs with me, they
sent by FEDEX and i have all the address and names. Is it a way to get the
money back???? Please, if u could help me i wolud really appreciate.Global Consumer Services
170 Broadway 2nd Floor Suite 200
New York, NY 10027
145 Dickinson Lane
Wilmington, DE 19806
tel: 18005207035
tel: 626 5109076
fax: 626 2434424
1th FEDEX US Airbill
sender`s Simon Goto tel: 18004313058
tracking number: 8597 8716 7085
2th FEDEX International Air Waybill
GCS Inc tel: 905 602-4779
5511 Tomkin #12-13
Mississanga, ON Canada
tracking number: 8590 0990 5188
in the Fedex says that the sender will be billed.
I called them today and they are still there, i`ve talked to the FBI NY and
they said the only thing i can do is fill out a complaint on line. Thanks
for your help.
Janie: Call your police, and make a report above.
Fraud Alert!
"On August 11, 2006, Public Works and Government Services Canada issued a fraud alert to businesses across Canada advising that individuals are making fraudulent use of Business Access Canada (BAC) letterhead to obtain confidential financial information from businesses across Canada.
BAC does not request any financial or banking information from Canadian businesses. Do not provide any financial information as requested.
If you are asked to provide such information, please contact the RCMP immediately and notify us by calling 1 800 811-1148 or by e-mail at ncr.contractscanada@pwgsc.gc.ca.
The letter in question is typically a two-page document sent by fax. The first page is a cover letter that explains that suppliers need to file financial information in order to be eligible for procurement opportunities.
The second page is a form titled "Authorization to release financial information" and requests the following information:
- Bank name
- Branch phone
- Branch fax
- Bank contact
- Operating account number
- Bank routing number
- And the signatures of the bank account.
If you suspect that you are the subject of this type of fraud, please contact the RCMP. As well, please consult the websites below for more information on other types of fraudulent schemes currently in use.
The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI)
The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada (OSFI) issues Warning Notices regarding entities that it believes may be of concern to the business community and the public.
PhoneBusters
Established in January of 1993, PhoneBusters is the national deceptive telemarketing call centre, operated by the Ontario Provincial Police. We play a key role in educating the public about specific fraudulent telemarketing pitches. We also play a vital role in the collection and dissemination of victim evidence, documentation, statistics and tape recordings to outside investigations.
The Competition Bureau
The Competition Bureau is responsible for administration and enforcement of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act. Its role is to promote and maintain fair competition so that Canadians can benefit from lower prices, product choice and quality services. The Bureau's operating principles can be summarized in five words: Confidentiality, Fairness, Predictability, Timeliness and Transparency."
Report Scams.
http://www.wachovia.com/customerprotection/0,,7651_7660,00.html
February 25, 2007:
About 2 weeks ago I recieved a phone call from a Chris Price at Irecruit asking me if i wanted to do mystey shops. I was driving and i was not really paying attention to waht he was saying and i told him i was interested then giving him my address information. Today i recieved in the mail a check for $3251 adn was told i was selected to be a customer service evaluator. The letter states that i have to complete my assignment within 48 hours and that i had to wire $2881 to a Laura Ziobro in Montreal Quebec, Canada. The letter also states that i am to spend $100 in the wal-mart, i was able to pick any wal-mart i chose to go to. When i am to complete my assignment i am to call with the MoneyGram reference code. Something did not seem right within the letter, there was little instruction and it threw me off that it stated any wal-mart. I have done mystery shops before and i have always been given specific stores to visit. I decided to do some investigating into the company and
have foudn your website stating a similar scam which lead to to believe my initial thoughts. Also when i looked up the bank online the address on the check was spelt incorrectly. If you could please send me advice on what to do with the bogus check? If you would like i can send you a copy of what i recieved in the mail.
Thank you so much for your site and saving me thousands of dollars.
February 26, 2007:
I just spoke to you on the phone about the scam i reported and i spoke with the Chicago Police but since i am not a victim they cannot do anything. Here is all the information that was on my letter.
Company: Irecruit
St. Anne's Road, Winnipeg, MB R2M 2Y5
phone number: 204 951-0261
contact: Chris Price
Bank on check: LandMark Credit Union
Amount on check $3,251
payment for training: $150 per hour for 2 hours
Funds required to send: $2881
Money to be spend at wal-mart: $100
service charge: $70.00
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions
thank you sooo soooo much for your website you saved me thousands
Michelle Z. (Chicago).
February 27, 2007.
Hello,
My wife had recently been looking for work on an online job bank. She got an email about a mystery shopper job. It seemed way to good to be true she filled out their application if you could call it that then i looked over the site. I decided to look the name up and found it was a scam. She emailed back and said she was not interested.
Well today the fedex guy came to our door with a package. Inside was a letter and a fake check for 980 dollars.
The fake company is called Company Evaluation Consultants.
tel 1-(519)-722-5071
fax 1-(215)-754-6195
Winnipeg MBR2C0A1
http://www.companyevaluationconsultants.com/
Thier letter head bears MacDonalds, Starbucks, Gap, Blockbuster, and Moneygram logos.
The check Drawer is Huntington National Bank Columbus Ohio.
The letter instructs you to cash the check then go to your local walmart and moneygram 830 dolars to a fake relative in London Ontario Canada.
Just wanted to let everyone know the scam isnt over.
Dave NY
March 2, 2007
I had been posting my resume on the internet for different job postings. I was contacted by phone by a company offering me a job as a "customer service evaluator" I took the oppurtunity and received an envelope sent by FedEx on February 21, 2007. My assignment was to be completed within 48 hours. The cashiers check they sent me was for $1800. I then cashed the check and bought a moneygram to be sent to a made up relative in Canada. I then completed the assignment and called the company to give them the reference number and make sure they received a copy of the faxed evaluation form. I then received further assignments on Feb 23, 26, 27 and on the 28th I asked the branch manager at my bank to look into the checks. The day before one of the tellers asked if I knew who was sending the checks because quite a few fradulent checks had been passing through the bank. The branch manager took a copy of the check and tried getting information from the bank it was issued from. No such luck. I then went to the police department and filled out a fraud complaint form. After that I went to my bank and was forced to sign a loan for $7200 to repay the bank for the money that I cashed. Too bad I don't have anything to show for my $7200 but I will be paying for it for the next 4 years.
This is the companies information:
the assignment that were sent via FedEx were sent from:
the assignments that were sent via UPS were sent from:
Any information that you may receive about this company will be extremely helpful in the investigation. Thank you so much!
March 11, 2007.
I received one of these letters in todays mail. Complete with fake check
I also received two telephone calls from Ontario which appeared on my caller ID within the last 3 weeks. I never returned them, as I don't know anyone in Ontario (nor did I know who might be calling from Ontario.
The letter appears to have been printed from a home computer using word. It was folded and mailed while the ink was still wet as parts of the letter were double printed from wet ink.
1st Capital Mutual Services. 3-5 Court St., Fort Erie
Office Line: 1-905-324-2051
This is to inform you of the North American Prize pool as sponsored by a group of companies in North America. Your ame attached to the sweepstakes with number X with serial number X drew lucky number X which consequently won the sweepstake in the second category.
We have made unsuccesful attempts to contact you regarding this winning. Your are entitled to the sum of $175,00 US Dollars. This is from a total prize of $3.5Million US Dollars that was shared and presented among the other 20 declared winners. Please note that all the participants were selected through a random computer ballot system drawn from over 500,000 names.
To expedite the processing, enclosed is a check of $4,385.00 US Dollars, which has been deducted from your winning. You will be using some money on this first check to pay for the applicable processing fee/ surcharges on your winning.
your Claim number is X/X/X/X. and in accordance with our disbursment policy your pize award money has been forwarded to our clearing / disbursement institution to release your funds to you by certified check or money order or wire transfer. Due to the inability to establish initial contact we ask that you keep your Claim number confidential until your claim has been properly processed and your funds remitted to you. Therfore you will not be required to disclose any personal information at any point in time.
Please do not attempt to use this Check until you call, and speak with one of our Claims agent @ 1-905-324-2051 (EXT. 2)
NOTE: If this process is not completed on or before MAR.23 rd 2007, we shall assume these funds as unclaimed and subsequently forfeited, therby automatically becoming null and void.
The name Sharon Mucha kind of cracked me up. What's she sharing?
Payable through American State Bank
It does have a watermark.
Envelope had a Canada 93 cent stamp
I think I will drop it off at the post office like I did the Nigerian lotto scam I received last summer.
March 22, 2007
My daughter-in-law and I both are fraud victims of :
Company Evaluation Consultants
Her's was 1500 and mine is 1960 USD
any information about recovery is greatly appreciated.
March 23, 2007:
Hi, my name is ?. I got a call from Cathy Richardson
(204-951-0135) telling me that I was selected for the position as a
mystery shopper as a result of my resume I sent to them through
Monster or Careerbuilder. I was informed that they will mail me an
instruction package in a couple of days.
I received the package today. Flipping thru it was an instruction
that my pay rate is $150/hour and a brief job description of what to
do. In it also is a check of $3,430.00 from First Tuskegee Bank, 301
N. Elm Str., Tuskegee AL 36083. The check no. at the upper right hand
corner is 8109752 and at the bottom is 8109752 262286109 6037178272.
What makes me skeptical about it is that in addition to my Walmart
store evaluation job, they instructed me to send a MoneyGram to my
relative named Jerry Quinanola in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada for
$2,970.00 and $70.00 MoneyGram service charge?
I haven't called them yet regarding the suthenticity of the check I
received.
March 25, 2007:
I was also an "almost" victim of this Money Gram scam. I say almost because the wonderful ladies at my bank and at Money Gram in Walmart told me to be careful that others had come in with the same info and it was a scam.
I received a letter stating that they had tried to call me and sent a letter as a "last attempt" to contact me. Enclosed was a Cashiers Check for $1250.00 and instructions to cash the check, wire $1100.00 thru Money Gram to a name (relative) in Canada, complete a questionnaire and send in my receipt and evaluation to a fax number also to email them with the receipt number.
Because I have been searching America's Job Bank for employment I was not surprised to receive this letter. I remember they sent me info on the job and I submitted my resume. So, when the letter started out saying I was pre-selected thru Americas Job Bank I thought no way is this a scam, why would they use my local unemployment office to contact me?
I did not go thru with the transaction, thank God, and I called the long distance number located on my letter, when a man answered, "Hello", I asked isn't this a company called Company Evaluation Consultants? He said ah, yes, and I asked him, then why didn't you answer the phone using the company name and his reply was, oh, the office is closed today. I asked him why he was sending out fraudulent letters to people trying to rip them off and he asked, who is this? I replied, "The FBI", and he hung up.
March 27, 2007
Hi my name is ? I received a letter in the mail saying I had been in a North America prize pool and my name was drawn randomly and I was a 2ndtier winner my winnings were 200,000,000 dollars I was amazed but I could not remember putting my name in for a drawling. I had also received a check from bank Atlantic for 3,030 dollars this was for the administrative payment and clearance fees for my winning the letter said so I called my mother-in-law to be and she told me to beware of scams thank god I listened to her well there was two numbers on the letter to call I was suppose to call and ask for my agent James CROMER. This is how the letter had his name. and they looked forward from hearing from me before April 6 the number was 1-888-416-9284 and 1-647-430-9327 call between 9:30 and 5:30 the first number just said goodbye and the second number asked who was calling and then replied they were not in to leave a message, or to hang up which that’s when I realized I received a scam. By the way the president of the company was Carter HOPER
March 29, 2007:
hello. my name is ? and i got a letter in the mail from a Apex Financial Trust company located at 947 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1V3 with the phone number of 1-604-725-8916 and as well for a fax 1-801-843-9292. the letter is stating that i have won 64,905.00 from Integrated Consuer's Clearing Awards that was held on Friday Febuary 2,2007. It has a ticket number of 041-2217-632 with the serial number of 4216-08 and it says they drew the lucky numbers of 21-23-33-37-41-49 to win in the 3rd category. and it also tells me "cash credited to file with claim no. NAP-03-2007-G274". we called and spoke with someone from the company and they said the check was fine because it was a cashiers check. the check that was inclosed in the letter was for 2,874.60 "to be used for the payment of administravited and clearance fees on my award". then it tells me that he check can't be cashed until it is cleared by my agent James Brady @ 1-604-725-8916. then it states that all of my money has to be clamined by march 26, 2007. so, after we had talked to the man about the check, he said that it was fine so we deposited into our checking account on march 23, 2007 (so you see that we have already talken to the man about the check and deposited it before the march 26, 2007 deadline) and then we used it to be able to pay on some bills that we have gotten behind on. it cleared at my bank and was in my checking account for almost 4 days before we even spent the money and the day that we go out and spend no more than 400.00$ we get a letter in the mail from our bank saying that we are now -400.00$ in checkings. so in other words, we spent money that cleared but ended up not really being there. i was wondering if this was a scam that they are pulling over us or is it something that can be taken to court and fixed. i called the company back letting them know we was now negivate in our checking account and they said that it was because i didnt contact them within the time period to claim all of my money which the time period was march 26,2007 that it needed to be clamined by. after we called mr. Brady back he said that we would be geting another check the following tuesday with the rest of the amount in question, we have yet to recieve that check and now that we are negative they are saying that we still didn't call them back in time and would have to see if there's anything they can do to help us now being negative.
Janie: Yes, it is a scam.
April 9, 2007.
my wife was contacted by this scam her name was Katy Richardson and said she had got her resume from her and wanted to know if she would like to do this so she said yes not know it was a scam and went to cash the check and was arrested for check fraud .is there anything you can do to help us out so this doesn't get her in trouble she has never been in trouble and id like to keep it that way.big price to pay for trying to help are family out when the money is low.thank you Shane ????
Hello my name is Jessica ?,
I am writing you because i need some help i have no money and my bank account is cuurenty
-2850.00.I responded to a ad on career builder I am in Charlotte,NC (usa) It instructed me to call someone named Karen I called the number they told me that they will send me more information about the job.When i received the package in the mail it was a letter and a cashier's check; The letter had a letter head stating it was secret shoppers with different company logos on the bottom like pizza hut, money gram, gap, mcdonald's, budget,blockbuster,sears,wend'ys.walmart,starbucks.It shows a breakdown of how much money to send and i get paid 150.00 hour 2 hour training so the pay was 300.00 the letter stated that i was evaluating money gram service at walmart The number that I first called when ad was on career builder is 604-338-8179 and the number on the letter is 403-307-2393 the address on the letter is 340 50 Ave S E , Vancouver, BC T2G 2B1 the person that i spoke with when i called asked me to give my operator id# 02283AK85 spoke with someone named Ray.Please help me stop these criminals,my bank tells me that i will probably face a felony if they don't have their money back within ten days.
June 1, 2007
Hello,
My name is ? and I live in a little town in
West Virginia. I recieved a letter in the mail May
24, 2007 and was very excited by the enclosed
imformation, because I was looking for part-time work.
The first thing I saw was a cashier's check written
out in my name for $2700.00 dollars with an assignment
to call 306-351-3080. I called the number around 6pm
eastern time and a guy picked up the phone after 12
rings, it sounded like he was on cell phone and
walking. He told me to call back at 8am eastern time
and hung up. That's when I got really suspicious,
because a company that's putting out that kind of
money should be a little more professional. The next
wierd thing I noticed was on the 2 enclosed papers,
the telephone numbers were all different 604-338-1597,
403-307-2393. I'm so happy I found your site. Unlike
others who were contacted by phone, I just recieved a
letter telling me that they were going to pay me
150.00 dolllars an hour for completing an assignment
that required me to go to Wal-Mart and evaluate the
effectiveness and efficiency of a payment system
called 'Money Gram' I was suppose to pose as a
customer sending a Money Gram payment to a "relative"
with thelast name as mine to Hamilton, Ontario,
Canada. The lady who signed the paper was Jennifer
Perkins which I found odd because her name was printed
as if she used onedof those print stamps. Tempting as
it was, it sounded too good to be true, so I'm glad i
didn't do this. Thank you so much for posting
information for potential victims.
I received a letter from APEX Financial stating that I was a winner of the annual Integrated Consumer's Clearing Awards. It stated that I had won in the 3rd category. The letter states that my total payout is $54,905.00 and that they had forwarded this check of $2875.80 to cover any expenses I many incur to secure my award. That immediately raised a red flag with me as a scam.
The check is from a bank here in the United States; Old Second National Bank, 37 South River Street, Aurora, Ill. 60506. I googled the bank and it is real as is the address. Also, the check looks very authentic. It has a watermark and other security features.
The bad part is that I attempted to google the company and found nothing. I checked on the FBI site and found nothing. The only way I found out for sure this was a scam was because another friend found your site.
I'm giving everything to the Postal Inspectors and contacting the bank, but it sure baffles me that the only site that is watching out for consumers is a detective agency in Canada. No wonder so many U.S. citizens are scammed. Our own government doesn't even attempt to inform us.
JLB
Counterfeit Checks:
http://www.fdic.
gov/news/news/specialalert/2006/index.html
June 2007
Drug Warning:
http://www.snopes.com/horrors/drugs/candymeth.asp
http://cbs11tv.com/topstories/local_story_116224700.html
June 11, 2007
Dear Customer,
Wachovia Internet Banking, is here by announcing the New Security Upgrade.
We've upgraded our new SSL servers to serve our customers for a better and
secure banking service,against any fraudulent activities. Due to this recent upgrade,
you are requested to update your account information by
following the reference below.
Regards Wachovia Bank, N.A. and its affiliates.
June 18, 2007:
Hi i recieved a letter on June 18,2007 from the secret shoppers with an enclosed check for
$2850.00. i was about to go ahead and do what the letter told me which was cash the check(cashiers check) and go to any Wal-Mart and send $2490.00 to a "relative" of mine in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. i didnt do it because i went to google.com and entered the address that was printed on the letter which was 340 50 Ave S,E Vancover, BC T2G 2B1
the telephone number 1(403)307-2393, the other was 1(604)338-1597 the fax was1(248)293-2898. thank you for your website it saved me from making a huge mistake.
June 19, 2007
Janie,
On 06/18/2007 I received a letter from secret shoppers, and enclosed was a check for $4885.00 made payable to myself on a official bank check. I knew right off the bat that this is a scam, so I went to my local bank and this check had there name on it, they confirmed this is a bogus check and it will bounce. This is very aggravating so I call the local TV station and they are going to do a taping on this. The letter asks to deposit the check then go to a local Wal-Mart and do a money transfer to a person ( you have to call the number they give you and they will give you the name). Then the rest is yours to keep, but in a few days that check you deposited is going to bounce. I hope these crooks get caught and the local police and the FBI has been informed. There information is below.
Secret Shopper
353 Sherbrook Street
Winnipeg, MB R3B 2W7
Phone# 1-204-887-5749
Fax# 1-204-887-6793
Names
Cindy Hayes
Kenneth Sutherland
Scott Nicholson
They claim there website to be secretshopper.ca
If there is anything you can do please let me know thanks for your time and have a nice day.
Ryan- St.Louis MO
July 10, 2007.
hi Janie I received a check for 61,739 from metabank in S.D. I emailed the bank and haven't got an answer yet it is from Audrian solutions , the phone number is a Canada number 902-412-2187 I always get a voice mail I am afraid they have my number on caller id and are going to use and charge my phone 1000's of dollars it says I won a sweepstakes , it came with a surety bond and another check to pay for the surety bond but I have to call that number and verify my birthday to cash check but never any answer I do believe it is to good to be true it is please contact me. the bank does exist at 2500 S. Minnesota ave. Sioux falls S.D. 57105 the check has water dots and no fine print thanks Diana
July 14, 2007
Seen this BEWARE notice on line While looking into a Secret shopper, letter with a check I recieved, I wanted to know if this company was listed with the Better Buss. Bur. However, I seen your site and thought i would read it:
As it turns out, this letter is requesting the same thing, As in, cash check, make a Money Gram at your Local Wal-mart. How ever this is where Some Things Change.
HERE is the following in formation: make money gram to a relative: name Stephine Mitchell in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada.... 353 sherbrook st unit 12 winnipeg MB R3B 2W7
ON the letter head it is a Secret Shopper logo.. and numeber listed is 1 204 951 1624
THey want you to call customer service Diane Bradley for complete information on how to complete the transation. All this is Signed by> Scott Nicholson
HOwever As seen above the Call for confirmation is different listed below:
Once you sent the money Gram - call and tell Jason Williams At
Fax.. 1-204-887-6793 this is same on letterhead and below
THen call customer service for confirmation. at phone: 1 204 951 6689
PLEASE NOTE THAT: THE CHECK INCLOSED IS THE SAME BANK THAT ISSUES
THE CHILD SUPPORT CHECK FOR THE STATE OF MICHIGAN, I SEEN THIS LOGO AND FELT ASURRED IT MUST BE LEGAL TENDER. AFTER READING THIS SITE AND OFFERING YOU THE INFORMATION I RECIEVED, I AM ALSO GOING TO CALL THE 1 800 NUMBER FOR THE BANK, NOT LISTED ON THIS CHECK, TO ADDRESS THIS CHECK AND THE SIGNATURE ON IT. AS I JUST RECIEVED THIS TODAY, I HAVE TIME TO LOOK DEEPER INTO IT. (NOT CASHING IT)
July 17, 2007
Hi my name is ? I was a victim of the secret shopper scam . I received a letter and a check in the mail stating that I was selected for secret shopper. I right a way called the number and spoke to some female and she said everything was okay check was fine. So then I went to my bank deposit the check in my account my bank took the check and put the money in my account. I went to do my assignment which was to go do a money gram to Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada to a pretend relative AW SIMON. I was to forward 3,985.00 from the 4,922.00 check that they had send me 137.00 was for miscellaneous charges and 800.00 was to be pay training. When I tried to use my debit card it would not let me charge that amount so I went back to the bank and that is when my hell started. The president of the bank would not give me my id back and was treating me like a criminal something that I am not. He had stated that the check was no good and someone else had tried using a similar check I informed him where I got the check him. They then had to close my account and put me under a fraud alert which really pissed me off cause. I would not be able to open a account no where else or with that bank. I called the lady that I spoke to about the check she said that she was going to speak to her manager an call be back in ten minutes I never received a phone called that is when I new something was not right. I had my cousin look up the name SCOTT NICHOLSON that is how I found your web sit. These people needed to be stop. Can you please help me out on what I need to do next.You can email me or call me at
July 18, 2007
Thank you for your very informative website. I too just received a similar letter with a check for $4922 telling me to cash it at my bank and wire it through moneygram to an aunt in Winnipeg. They are Secret shopper, 353 Sherbrook Street, Unit 12, Winnipeg MB R3B 2W7, Telephone Number (204) 887-6689 and Fax (204) 887-6793. A Scott Nicholson is listed at the human resource manager and the customer service rep is listed as a Susan Ross. I thought it all seemed a little too good to be true, and thanks to your website I knew right away it was! The bank is listed as Provident Bank out of St Paul, MN. I just want to thank you for having such a website, hopefully other people will be smart enough not to do this scam.
Karin N. ,Joliet, Illinois
July 19, 2007
Hi Janie,
I just received a check from "so called" Secret Shopper TM located at 353 Sherbrook Street, Unit 12 Winnipeg MB R3B 2W7 tel. 1-204-962-7979 Fax: 1-204-887-6793 www.secretshopper.ca. The check is for $4,922.00 for which $3,985 was to be sent via moneygram through Walmart to a pretend relative named Cassy Nelson in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. $800 was my Probational Training Pay and $137 in service charges and miscellaneous fees. I called to get some idea as to whether or not it was legit. I tried to catch them up with questions, but the lady who answered, covered her basis. Although she did have to put me on hold once...I didn't think anything of it at the time.
The check was made out in my name from Provident Bank. The following names were also on the check: Roberta Drayton and Kathryn Stanton. Scott Nicholson's name is on the letter. I also noticed that where it would normally read pay to the order of, it said pay to thepe order of. I guess I'm just a stickler for mistakes like that. I thought it was too good to be true.
I almost fell for it but I thank God for enough sense to look into it. Thank you for your website as confirmation!
I called back and asked for her name. I think she said Evelyn Richards. I also asked to speak with a manager. She wouldn't get me one and hung up on me twice. A legitimate business would have handled things differently. She also was the only one answering the phone. I asked her to hear me out. After I realized that she wasn't going to hang up on me again, I told her that she may or may not be aware of what her job was doing, but it's wrong and that they will go to hell for it. I went on to say that people's lives and money is valuable and urged her to get out of the business now that she knows. I told her that I would be spreading the information I have to as many people as I can so go ahead and change the phone number like all the other numbers were changed. She didn't dispute any more. I then said thank you....she replied thank you and I hung up. |
|
Something has got to be done....There are so many people who might get caught up in this scam because they are having financial problems. I just thank God I wasn't one of them.
I want to post this to my space so that it can reach a lot of people. Let me know if you see anything wrong or potential problems with this.
Felicia
July 31, 2007
My name is Marion (pseudonym) and I received a letter like those mentioned above. My check amount was $2,775. I was to take the check to my bank (which I don’t have) and cash it. Then proceed to the closest Wal-Mart to do a ‘Money Gram’ to someone in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. I already had nearly been taken for a ride eighteen months ago with something that I felt was fraudulent, so I was suspicious. I asked a few people what they thought I should do before I did anything. One said I should ask the advice of an employment specialist I know and then she directed me to talk to someone in the Employment Department. He suggested I go and look and research some things.
I did just that. I went to the Better Business Bureau, and there was no listing for this company there, I also went to look up the information in the yellow pages under the address listed, and I was directed to your site. I read through the other stories and thought, this couldn’t possibly be the same thing as what I had, but as I continued reading, I saw someone that had a letter from the same exact address that mine has on it...I thought, Oh Lord...
Secret Shoppers
340 50 Ave SE
Vancouver, BC T2G 2B1
Telephone1: 1 (250) 884 3576
Telephone2: 1 (306) 351 3080
Fax: 1 (248) 293 2898
“Please be informed that there is one probational training assignment that you are required to complete within 48 hrs. This training assignment takes about 2 hours to complete and is PAID training. Training pay rate remains $150.00 per hour. The aim of this training assignment is for you to familiarize yourself with the practical feel of what secret shopping entails.
“This assignment has been put together to be completed at any Wal-mart location. The objective of this assignment will be to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of a payment system called ‘Money Gram’ offered at any Wal-mart location.
“You will pose as a potential customer sending a money gram payment to a relative of yours in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The fund needed to complete this transaction has been arranged and has been enclosed with this letter. For our verification of assignment completion, please call back and provide the money gram reference code immediately after completion.
“Below is the breakdown of the attached fund:
2 hour Evaluation training pay $ 300.00
Required fund to be sent $2,420.00
Service Charge by Money Gram $ 55.00
---------------
Total $2,775.00”
As a result of my research and the direction it took, namely to your website, I have realized that this is as much a scam as the others. The name on the bottom of the letter is Linda Flemmington. The bank on the check is Pioneer Federal Credit Union at 250 West 3rd South, Mountain Home, ID 83647. Phone number listed on the check is 1 888 625 5189. There is a water mark on the back of the check, and I haven’t been able to determine if the routing number is all there, but I felt this was a total scam. Drawer on the check says Fred L. Kent. The bank is real, I looked it up on the web.
Also on the check is” Issued by Integrated Payment Systems, Inc, Engelwood, Colorado, First Corporate Credit Union, Cypress, CA. Just like some others, the letter had included with the letterhead, logos for Pizza Hut, MoneyGram, Gap, McDonalds, Budget, Blockbuster, Sears, Wendy’s, Wal*Mart and Starbucks. I think these people need to be caught, they’re dragging down true business down by pulling this stunt.
I called the police, and the officer I talked too said for me to shred the letter and check, you can bet that I’ll do just that.
Thanks Janie for this website and the information.
Marion L.
M. Duncan & Associates,
I find it very unusual that I just received the same scam letter, only yesterday, in my mailbox asking me to cash a J. P. Morgan Chase Bank's $4, 922.00 cashier's check and, of course, send it back in a Money Gram to a Mary Poindexter in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada . The whole Wal-Mart story etc.....
When people see those names: Wal-Mart and JP Morgan Chase involved, they believe this is serious business. How is it possible that two companies like those, see their names involved in a scam, to steal the savings and victimize usually poor or lower income people, don't do anything about it? .
It is so easy to understand that if someone is looking to make some extra income, is because they really need it.
The letter I just got in the mail is from the same people of your January 2006 story ??? I guess.... What has anyone done about it? Will this be allowed to continue?
I care a lot about the victims of this scam as, had this letter not come to me, it would have gone to someone else that could have done what they asked, and they would have lost their savings too. but.....who cares?????
August 14, 2007
On August 6, 2007 I received a letter in the mail from a place called Mystery Shopper. I was instructed to deposit or cash a check in the amount of $4,975.00 and go to my local Wal Mart to send a Money Gram to melissa Braun in London, Ontario in the amount of $3,995.00, with a service charge of $180.00 and i get to keep $800.00. I called the phone number at the top of the page which is 204-951-5813 and spoke to a Stacey Clark. She instructed me what to do and assured me all this was legitimate. I was to complete this transaction within 7 days. Stupid me, I did deposit the check. I could not stop thinking about it all night. The next day (today) I did some reserch on this and I saw your website along with many others telling me the same thing. I notified my bank that the check I deposited could be fradulent. They could not do anything over the phone and I have to go to my local branch in the morning. I have no intention of using this money and I am fuming mad. I also called the HR Manager listed at the bottom of the letter, Michael Anderson at 514-570-6199. I explained my concerns to him and he basically laughed in my face and the rest of what he said was unintelligible. He said he had other people on hold and basically hung up. I cannot believe this! I went on line and filed a complaint with the FTC and contacted the BBB regarding this scam. I do not know what else to do right now. I have to wait to see what my bank says. The address of these con artisits is:
I hope I can work this out and I hope these thieves get caught and sent to prison. Do you have any advice for me?
September 5, 2007
Hello,
I received the following letter accompanied with a check for
$4,998.95. It was from the American Skiing Company Corporate
Accounts Payable P.O. Box 4552 Park City, Utah 84060 and the
bank on it was Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. : 115 Hospital Drive, OH
45891. My brother was once a teller at a bank and he said the
check itself looks legitimate and he would cash it if one of
his customers gave it to him.
Anyways, here is the letter:
American is please to inform you that we have assumed
responsibility to finance payment of administrative charges of
the annual raffle drawn by Sears, Wal-mart, Macy's, Toys "R"
US and Shell.
Your name emerged as a winning ticket and consequently won in
the third category. You have therefore been awarded a lump sum
pay out of $55,000.000. This amount is shared between 53
international winners from a total of $2,915,000.00
Congratulations.
Enclosed is a check of 4,998.95. A 18.5% interest will be
deducted from your total winning as our interest for the
sponsor's commission and administrative charges. The check
should be cashed at your financial institution. This check
will be used to help pay for your state and administrative
charges. It is imperative that upon receiving this letter
your should immediately contact your agent Dennis Brown. at
705-770-3698. This will facilitate the release and
furthermore instruct you on how to make your payment.
Upon confirmation of your payment, a final payment will be
issued to you in the amount of $44,825.00 approximately 24
hours through fed ex next day delivery.
Note: all prize money must be claimed not later than September
28, 2007 at which time any unclaimed funds will be deemed void.
special notice: This award should be kept absolutely
confidential until you receive your final payment and your tax
exemption form to avoid IRS taxing you twice. Please be sure
to quote your reference number in all correspondence with our
agents. Once again, Congratulations.
Sincerely,
Barbara Evans.
I called the number and a woman told me that my name was
automatically submitted because I shopped at one of the
sponsor places. But I mean, who hasn't?. I then asked her
that if i were to submit this check, will my payment be for
more than $4,998.95 and she said that it will be exactly for
that amount.
I know this is probably a scam, but reassure me because this
is tempting.
Yes it is a scam. Janie Duncan
November 15, 2007
Dear Ms. Duncan:
I recently received a check in the mail from a Mr. Ray Washington in Winnipeg for $4985. The directive that came with the check said to deposit it at my bank, then, when the funds became available, I was to send $3985 to a Ms. Sherry Barnett in Winnipeg, MB. The reason I took this assignment was to evaluate the customer service at Money Gram, Intl, but it turns out that Money Gram was just the vehicle to receive an illegal transfer payment.
I never sent the money because my bank still has a hold on this check. And I'm glad they do. Doing a google search, I found your website by entering Shadow Shopper and Scott Nicholson, a name synonymous with Canadian fraud. Before I deposited the check, I had a suspicion that something did not add up, but I decided to give the company the benefit of the doubt. Since Mr. Washington has not returned my last 3 or 4 calls, I have concluded this is another case of attempted fraud. Later today I will fill out a forgery claim with my bank.
If your company wishes to pursue this matter in Canada, here is the information I have on Mr. Washington. Keep in mind, much of this information my be false, however there is a phone number which leads to a voicemail recording, and that may be a good lead.
Mr. Ray Washington
353 Sherbrook Street, Unit 12
Winnipeg MB R3B 2W7
phone: (902) 412-9183
fax: (902) 412-2422
Should you need to contact me, I will leave my personal contact info at the bottom of this e-mail.
Sincerely,
David S.
November 19, 2007
Hi Janie:
Someone used our corporate UPS account fraudulently under the name of ACI 7495 Birchmount Road Markham to ship two packages on September 27, 2007. Let me know if you would like more information on this shipment.
Internet Dating Scams
July 23, 2007
I have had a internet relationship,i taught i gotten to know this person,i have been decieved,I
Through the singlesnet.com,she said that she is a teacher,living with her parents,she talked very honestly and open i fell for that reason,i never knew i about to be scammed,i have all
receipts i put through Western Union a total of $3900.00 usd,i don't know if i can recover any of back,but i certainly want to put this person on the scam list,i have pictures of this person
Stolen:
On December 24, 2007, at The Royal Oak Inn, Brandon, Manitoba, a maroon on-board rolling bag with black trim was stolen with valuable jewellery and various other items inside. Our client is offering a reward in the amount of $1000.00 for the return of all items. A complaint has been filed with Brandon, Police. The constable is M.K. Hamm #125. Our office number is (204) 233-3439 locally or 1-877-233-2002 long distance
The items stolen are as follows with the corresponding pictures:
1. Sterling Silver and gold pendant and chain. The chain is a multi gold and silver chain which is approximately 18". The pendant has a square cut mother of pearl in the center with gold filigree and multi-colored stones. Total value is about $900.00.
2. Shabool Sterling silver watch with an opal. The band has a lead design. The value is $450.00
3. Gold bracelet.
4. A sterling silver & gold ring with a pink gold in the groove surrounding it. The value is $200.00
Also stolen were the following items:
- Pair of sterling silver huggy type earrings which valued at $60.00;
- Silver & marcasite cameo pin that is valued at $400.00;
- Sterling silver 22" box link chain with a 2" heart pendant that opens up. The value is $350.00
- A white gold ring with 17 diamonds.
January 30, 2008 @ 11:51 a.m
- Received a call from Vanessa after advertising in the Winnipeg Free Press. Her email address is vansan777@hotmail.com. She would not release her identity but said she found a pearl necklace near the Convention Centre in Winnipeg. We would like to know her identity.
Counterfeit
Adoption Find:
We are looking for Lisa Marie (biological birth name) born in 1969 at the Winnipeg General Hospital. Her adoptive mother completed her
nursing education and became a registered nurse. Her adoptive father was a Chartered Accountant. They were living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Lisa was
placed in her new adoptive home shortly after birth. She has one sister and two brothers. If anyone knowing any information about Lisa's adoptive
name, please contact us.
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