The email message below: "Mystery Shopping Opportunity," which claims that the recipients have mystery shopping assignments in their areas and are asked to participate, is fraudulent. Recipients of the fraudulent email message should not respond to it with their personal information or any other information that is requested by the senders. The fake email message was sent by scammers/cybercriminals. The victim of this scam will be provided with a fake or counterfeit check (cheque) and is advised to cash it and then asked to use some of the proceeds to do some form of mystery shopping. Also, the victim may be asked to take part in surveys or other promotional services. But, the counterfeit check will bounce and the victim who cashes the check will be held responsible for the money lost in the transaction and any additional fees imposed by his or her bank. They may even get arrested for fraud.
Remember, never send your personal information to anyone in an email message or send money to someone who contacted you via email message.
The Fraudulent Mystery Shopping Email Message
From: Mystery Shopper postmaster@consumerresearch.com
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 11:47 AM
Subject: Attention: Mystery Shopping Opportunity.
We have a mystery shopping assignment in your area and we would like you to participate.
Mystery Shopper is accepting applications for qualified individuals to become mystery shoppers. It's fun and rewarding, and you choose when and where you want to shop.
You are never obligated to accept an assignment. There is no charge to become a shopper and you do not need previous experience.
Mystery Shopper NEVER charge fees to become a shopper, mystery shoppers are paid a prearranged fee for a particular shop, We have available for immediate assignment an inspection of the customer service of any Western Union in your area. This fee will be paid upfront. During this shop you will visit the location and make several observations as regards the customer service. You will be required to interact with the shop clerk. You may conduct the shop alone or as a couple.
The assignment will pay $170.00/ assignment.
Kindly Fill Out the application form below and we will get back to you shortly with the assignment.
You can also send the below required information as plain text email.
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
First Name..
Middle Name..
Last Name..
Street Address(Not PO Box) ..
City, State, Zip Code ..
Cell Phone Number ..
Home Phone Number ..
Age..
Current Occupation..
Alternate Email Address ..
AVAILABILITY: Days/Hours Available
Monday .
Tuesday .
Wednesday .
Thursday .
Friday .
Saturday .
Sunday .
Hours Available:
We await your urgent response.
Thank you for your help. We look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Timothy White.
Mystery Shoppers, Inc.