A $3500 Scam Came to My Home

What happens when you get a check in the mail for $3,500 dollars? If you’re like me times are tough and this could be the answer to those prayers right……..WRONG!

There is a new scam out that sends counterfeit checks in the mail. The ammo is to prey on people looking for honest work opportunities in a struggling economy.

The letter that comes with the check states that I have been selected to become a mystery shopper. It says that I’ve been chosen as a Consumer Service Evaluator for selected service stations and retail venues. It says my salary would be $300.00 per assignment for the first two months and increased to $400 thereafter.

It also says my first assignment is to go to a local gas station and check for gouging pump prices. The second assignment is to go to a Money Gram or Western union, (this is imprinted in bold in the letter but the first assignment isn’t). For both assignments I am to determine the overall value of customer service.

They gave me a number to call, (514)660-0965) in order to contact Jessica Bell or James Smith because they are the co-coordinators. They instruct me that my first assignment should be within a week’s time of receiving the letter…..IMPULSE.

Everything I purchase is mine to keep. Sounds good to some folk’s right?

The steps they claim will get me started are: 1. Deposit the check into any account 2. Call coordinators within twenty-four hours to get project assignments 3. Complete the mystery shopping as instructed 4. Fill out the evaluation sheets and call the coordinator about my experience.

Here’s how they explain the $3,500.00 is supposed to be broken down: 1. Probation fees for each assignment (remember there’s 2)…..$300.00; 2. Bonus funds awarded for gas and shopping…..$100.00; 3. Funds for the assignment…..$3,100 which leads to the total of $3,500 bucks.

For many desperate hard working folks this probably sounds like a pretty good opportunity, but doesn’t it just sound too good to be true?

If I’m awarded the $400 bucks for probation fees and gas expenses aren’t the funds for the assignment already taken care of? Why do I have to send $3,100 dollars back to the company that gave me the money in the first place?