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 Post subject: Re: Western Union Secret Shopper Scam victims - Must Read!
PostPosted: Fri May 13, 2011 10:32 pm 
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Joined: Fri May 13, 2011 10:02 pm
Posts: 1
About a week ago I received an email from someone saying that they found my resume on career builder and were interested in hiring me. Ok, so I emailed them back thinking it would be legit since the site looked like a company that dealt with computer system graduates like myself. The person I was to contact was Derek Spittle at Infosurv. I looked up Infosurv and it was a legit company with a really good BBB rating. My stupid self cashed the check yesterday and after doing so, something didn't seem right. That is when I did some more searching. Low and behold, it was a scam. I plan to call my bank tomorrow. The amount deposited was $2,919.00 and only a portion of the funds were available. Since my bank is in Texas, I had to deposit it through our easy deposit system at the local UPS Store. I did use some of the money, but not the whole amount. I think the most I spent was just under $70 which covered everything I would have bought anyway on Thursday when my payroll check got deposited. I will explain the situation to the bank and I am sure they will understand my stupidity and since the check hasn't fully been cleared and that I realized my mistake, they have in the past been very understanding and knowing that it was only a small amount and that it will be taken care of Thursday, they should help sort it out. I should have listened to my instincts (which by the way are always right) that something was wrong. However, I checked out the check they sent meticulously and it really did look legit. I do have all the emails from this person along with the check they sent and the envelope it came in, since all the UPS Store does is punch holes in the bottom and give it back to you. Even the bank on the top and the watermarks on the back looked legit. I will post again when I get information from my bank tomorrow. I feel so stupid right now, however, I feel a little better knowing I didn't do everything they wanted me to do such as send $1260 western union and $1260 via money gram to some person I didn't know. At least I know that I can cover $70 and if need be, the $29 for the fee for their bounced check, but I don't think the bank will give me a hard time about the $29.


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 Post subject: Re: Western Union Secret Shopper Scam victims - Must Read!
PostPosted: Sat May 14, 2011 3:55 pm 
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Site Admin/Co-Founder

Joined: Mon Mar 31, 2003 10:09 pm
Posts: 2921
I would CALL the bank instead of going in to resolve this . . . some victims have been arrested when they return to the bank to try and work things out, and the bank will charge them with trying to defraud the bank.

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Shawn Mosch
Co-Founder of http://ScamVictimsUnited.com
There is strength in numbers!

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 Post subject: Re: Western Union Secret Shopper Scam victims - Must Read!
PostPosted: Wed May 18, 2011 7:51 am 
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Joined: Wed May 18, 2011 7:30 am
Posts: 1
i just recently received this exact same mail to be a secret shopper and i'm soooooo glad i didn't deposit the check in my bank.
i received a check for $3990.00 from South Florida Educational Federal Credit Union 7800SW 117th AVE Miami, FL 33183....and i had to deposit this check within 24-48 hours.
the company was Global Test Market 1100 112th Av1351 Washington Blvd. Suite 5000 Stamford, Ct 06902
Tel 1-888-621-5587 ext.2 Fax 1-866-791-2284 www.globaltestmarket.com
and i had to give them a Rep I.D #9725- TD
my first evaluation was at a Moneygram or Western Union, then the second evaluation will take place in one of these major retail outles:Bestbuy, Wal-mart, Macy's, JC Penny, Sears or K-mart.
i was suppose to wire $3560.00 back...and they include $180.00 charged by moneygram or western union.
this was sent to me from Joe Coring as a Group Project Director....
ughh...tooo good to be true.


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 Post subject: Re: Western Union Secret Shopper Scam victims - Must Read!
PostPosted: Mon May 23, 2011 9:34 am 
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Joined: Mon May 23, 2011 1:26 am
Posts: 2
I received the same e-mail they have been texting me on my phone. They were advising me to deposit the check but I did not. They kept on bugging me and also said did you get your first assignment on e-mail. After looking into your post I believe it is a scam. I was scam once before I do not want to be in the same situation.
I have received the money order from MoneyGram It looks real not counterfeit. They gave me two money order of $835 total of $1670.

I read that I should shed it but what if they come back and say they want to sue me? They have my address? What should I do? Should I go to the IC3 the Federal Internet people or local police?
:cry:

I'm attaching the assigment.

FIRST ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS AND GUIDELINES

Attn: Prospective Shopper,
The company has issued out a payment to you for your first assignment which means your payment of $200.00 has been issued to you with some funds which you will use in executing this Assignment.This was sent through regular mail(USPS) and it will be delivered to you anytime from now,So please get back to me as soon as you receive the package,Meanwhile below is what you have to do
Assignment (A) Western Union Evaluation:-
IMPORTANT NOTE:-
You need to acknowledge the receipt of this package via email as soon as you receive it. And also send reports via email as soon as you complete your first assignment today


INSTRUCTIONS BELOW:-
You are instructed to Cash the money orders at your Bank for record purpose and then go ahead with Western Union Evaluation. The payment you received covers all expenditures including evaluation and your compensation (Per-Assignment Payment $200.00) for this survey also you will be using Western Union services to send the balance to another Mystery shopper to carry out her own Assignment
You are to look for the closest western union outlet to you to carry out your assignment and be sure they have Money Transfer services.
**************************************************************
REPORTS REQUIRES GUIDELINES
(1)How long it took you to get services. (2)-Ambience/Outlook of the Shop/Outlet (3)-Smartness of the attendant (4)-Customer service professionalism (5)-Reaction of personnel under pressure (6)-Information that you think would be helpful (7)-Your comments and impressions.
***************************************************************
BELOW IS THE EXPENDITURES BREAKDOWN:-
Money Received ..................$1690
Per Assignment Salary ...... $200.00
Western Union Charges Fee.............. .....
Amount to be wired after western union Fee................the total amount of money left
***************************************************************
As a secret shopper your job is to observe any thing useful going on in the outlet. Make sure you observe everything you see in there because you would be asked some other questions when you return. So then you would go ahead and make a western union money transfer to another mystery shopper for another assignment. We want you to deduct your payment of $200.00 and have the remaining funds sent to the information below for proper preparation of our next Mystery Shopper.
***************************************************************
TRANSFER THE REST OF THE FUNDS THROUGH WESTERN UNION TO THE BELOW INFORMATION:

Name:Alice Miller
City-Manila
Country-Philippines

REQUIRED INFORMATION'S AFTER TRANSFER IS COMPLETED VIA WESTERN UNION:-
1. Senders Name and Sender Address =
2. 10 Digits Money Transfer Control Number {M.T.C.N} =
3. The Amount sent after deducting the western union fee=


Cheers
Sincerely,
Thomas Bell
Secret Shopper®

From: Mystery Shopper <ppl-seekers@blumail.org>
Sent: Tue 17 May 2011 3:41:56 AM
Subject: Vacancy

Details in the attached file


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 Post subject: Re: Western Union Secret Shopper Scam victims - Must Read!
PostPosted: Mon May 23, 2011 9:47 am 
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Site Admin/Co-Founder

Joined: Mon Mar 31, 2003 10:09 pm
Posts: 2921
I can tell you 100% for sure that this is a scam. Either block their phone number, or text them back that the bank is holding on to the check to verify it before they will release the money, and it could be 2 weeks or more before you have the money . . . that should shut them up.

_________________
Shawn Mosch
Co-Founder of http://ScamVictimsUnited.com
There is strength in numbers!

Share your story with the media and educate others about scams! Details here http://scamvictimsunited.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=6319
Sign our petition http://www.change.org/actions/view/crea ... s_programs
Follow our blog http://scamvictimsunited.wordpress.com/
Find us on Twitter, Facebook and more http://www.retaggr.com/page/ShawnMosch
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Buy us a coffee to say thanks ~ http://www.scamvictimsunited.com/donations.htm


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 Post subject: Re: Western Union Secret Shopper Scam victims - Must Read!
PostPosted: Mon May 23, 2011 1:35 pm 
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Joined: Mon May 23, 2011 1:26 am
Posts: 2
Thanks I found out these MoneyGram Money orders has already been cashed. This is a scam I would like to put the phone number to check the Money order number for Moneygram is 1-800-542-3590. I appreciate all the help you have given me. I guess my next thing is notify the police and Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3.

I hope this help others to check the MoneyGram serial numbers.


Thanks :D


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 Post subject: Re: Western Union Secret Shopper Scam victims - Must Read!
PostPosted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:36 pm 
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Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2011 7:56 pm
Posts: 6
I got the email about becoming a "Mystery Shopper" and replied - and what do you know, I got 2 $875 post office money orders the next day. I will take them to the post office and report the fraud. I will also contact the Attorney General. Let me know if there is more I should be doing.


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 Post subject: Re: Western Union Secret Shopper Scam victims - Must Read!
PostPosted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 1:45 pm 
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Joined: Fri Jun 24, 2011 1:34 pm
Posts: 3
I received an email regarding the Secret Shopper job and instructions on how to carry out the assignment. Once I reveived a package from FedEx, I proceeded to my bank to deposit the Postal Money Orders. My bank released the monies right away, so I carried out the assignment. I received another envelope from FedEx and once again went to the bank with the money orders and was given cash right away. I have kept every e-mail, voicemail and envelope I received. If this is a scam...the bank doesn't know it. They do look like real money orders and have had no issues cashing them. Is this going to be a big problem for me? Is someone going to come banging on my door and arrest me? I have 3 children at home and needed to make some extra money.


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 Post subject: Re: Western Union Secret Shopper Scam victims - Must Read!
PostPosted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 10:47 pm 
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Joined: Sat Dec 06, 2008 10:39 pm
Posts: 414
Location: Third Rock from the Sun
yamasayw wrote:
I got the email about becoming a "Mystery Shopper" and replied - and what do you know, I got 2 $875 post office money orders the next day. I will take them to the post office and report the fraud. I will also contact the Attorney General. Let me know if there is more I should be doing.


You can also file a complaint with the IC3. They track information and will post warnings about scams. You can read some of their warnings by going to the scam in the news topic.

http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx

Quote:
I received an email regarding the Secret Shopper job and instructions on how to carry out the assignment. Once I reveived a package from FedEx, I proceeded to my bank to deposit the Postal Money Orders. My bank released the monies right away, so I carried out the assignment. I received another envelope from FedEx and once again went to the bank with the money orders and was given cash right away. I have kept every e-mail, voicemail and envelope I received. If this is a scam...the bank doesn't know it. They do look like real money orders and have had no issues cashing them. Is this going to be a big problem for me? Is someone going to come banging on my door and arrest me? I have 3 children at home and needed to make some extra money.


When the bank realizes these are fake they will go after you for the money. They may even call the police. If you are questioned by a bank employee or police DO NOT answer any questions as they will use the information against you. You may be arrested for money laundering and a host of other charges. You will need to contact a lawyer.

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Media Reporter for ScamVictimsUnited.com

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 Post subject: Re: Western Union Secret Shopper Scam victims - Must Read!
PostPosted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 3:57 pm 
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Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2011 7:56 pm
Posts: 6
My sister works for a bank and she said that the checks will eventually be returned and the money may be debited from your account if your bank has linked the money orders to them. Also she said that you will be involved in the fraud investigation which might be troublesome. I'd like to know what really happens though. Can you keep me posted on this link? I will not cash my checks but have not had time to turn them in yet but will do so today. It makes me angry to think that decent folks like you, trying to make a life for your family, will get scammed.


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 Post subject: Re: Western Union Secret Shopper Scam victims - Must Read!
PostPosted: Tue Jun 28, 2011 3:01 pm 
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Joined: Fri Jun 24, 2011 1:34 pm
Posts: 3
I deposited the checks, withdrew the funds, completed my assignment and within 7 days got a letter from the bank stating the money orders were counterfit. Fooled me & the bank teller and Now the bank wants their money back!! I HAVE BEEN SCAMMED and have no means to pay the bank back :( I started looking for a second job to feed my kids now I'm loosing everything to the bank because i was stupid enough to believe this was real..... I called IC3 & FBI but the bank doesn't care they just want their money back. What do i do? THOMAS GREEN (619-735-9841) MESSED UP MY LIFE!!!! I owe them $1850.00 and they put a lein on my account and took what money was in there that was rightfully mine. Someone please help me...


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 Post subject: Re: Western Union Secret Shopper Scam victims - Must Read!
PostPosted: Tue Jun 28, 2011 8:25 pm 
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Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2011 7:56 pm
Posts: 6
Oh my goodness. I don't think the bank can be compassionate.

Here's a link I found that help connect people who really need help to those who want to help:
At "wish upon a hero", you can make a wish and someone might grant it. I'll go to the site in a couple of days and see if I can find you and what I can do to help. Sometimes a little bit from many can be amazing:

http://www.wishuponahero.com/

Let me know how it turns out.


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 Post subject: Re: Western Union Secret Shopper Scam victims - Must Read!
PostPosted: Fri Jul 01, 2011 10:57 am 
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Site Admin/Co-Founder

Joined: Mon Mar 31, 2003 10:09 pm
Posts: 2921
Here is our resource page

http://scamvictimsunited.com/Reporting_scams.htm

These places will not help you get your money back, but it is a record of the fact you were scammed. The other thing you can do is to take the bank to court, but then you are out the court costs.

_________________
Shawn Mosch
Co-Founder of http://ScamVictimsUnited.com
There is strength in numbers!

Share your story with the media and educate others about scams! Details here http://scamvictimsunited.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=6319
Sign our petition http://www.change.org/actions/view/crea ... s_programs
Follow our blog http://scamvictimsunited.wordpress.com/
Find us on Twitter, Facebook and more http://www.retaggr.com/page/ShawnMosch
_______________________________________________
Has this site helped you?
Buy us a coffee to say thanks ~ http://www.scamvictimsunited.com/donations.htm


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 Post subject: Re: Western Union Secret Shopper Scam victims - Must Read!
PostPosted: Fri Jul 01, 2011 11:27 am 
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Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2011 7:56 pm
Posts: 6
Shouldn't banks be made responsible for clearing the money orders in the first place? Maybe someone can file a class action lawsuit - change the law so that once all monies are cleared, there is no turning back for them, sort of like credit card charges? I don't really know how it works, but it seems like they can do something about detecting counterfeit checks more than just by their looks.


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 Post subject: Re: Western Union Secret Shopper Scam victims - Must Read!
PostPosted: Fri Jul 01, 2011 11:45 am 
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Joined: Fri Jun 24, 2011 1:34 pm
Posts: 3
I agree..the bank should be responsible once the funds are made available. How do they expect to get the money back once they have already cleared it. If someone opens a "class action suit" please let me know. I need all the help i can to return the money and clear my name.


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