"Become A Mystery Shopper Today" Phishing Email Scam

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Updated: Aug. 9, 2016 2016-08-09T14:24:14
Posted: Aug. 9, 2016 2016-08-09T14:22:19
Online Threat Alerts (OTA)

The email message below: "Become A Mystery Shopper Today," 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.

Become A Mystery Shopper Today Phishing Email Scam

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@myshop.com
Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2016 5:16 AM
Subject: Become A Mystery Shopper Today.

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 forimmediate 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 .

We await your urgent response.

Thank you for your help. We look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Timothy White.

Mystery Shoppers, Inc.

This communication (including all attachments) is intended solely for the use of the person(s) to whom it is addressed and should be treated as a confidential AAA Colorado communication. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, distribution, printing, or copying of this email is strictly prohibited. If you received this email in error, please immediately delete it from your system and notify the originator. Your cooperation is appreciated.

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July 5, 2018 at 7:47 PM by an anonymous user from: Rolling Meadows, Illinois, United States
I had the same experience and today I received a very legitimate looking check for $3555.35 from a company called RVA Financial in Richmond VA.
It came priority mail with directions to deposit the check but use it according to the complicated directions.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is so I googled the company and came across this.
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October 24, 2016 at 8:05 AM by info
Received via email:
"On October 3, I received a Mystery Shopper offer by email from a Teressa Adams, allegedly recruiting from csupport6@ucsc.edu. The job entails an Evaluation process such as visiting Walmart/K-Mart etc. Since I am in search of a job working from home, I accepted and on October 6, a follow-up email from a James Taylor (private@myfirm.com.co) explained the survey procedure in detail and advised me that a package would be sent to me with my compensation payment of $250 and other funds. A Priority Mail envelope sent by Silverpoint Survey, 1433 New Road, Northfield NJ 08226 was in my mail box on Friday, October 21.
However, certain payment instructions in his letter had aroused my suspicions and I went on-line to search for more information about Mystery/Secret Shoppers opportunities. To make my story short, my suspicions were confirmed and I am attaching copies of the letter, the Priority mailer and an authentic looking cashier's check of Northwest Savings Bank in Warren, PA 16365. The amount of $2850.35 was transmitted by Kathleen Spearman and is to be paid to the order of Leodyne Alsbach.
Because I had a very serious car collision on October 10, which has left me indefinitely without transportation, and this first assignment had to be completed within 24 hours which would entitle me to a $100 bonus, I advised James Taylor yesterday by email that I would be unable to accept the assignment and would therefore return the cashier's check on Monday (tomorrow). So far, I have not received his response to this.
My report to the FTC has been submitted today. Thank you so much for your time and attention!
Sincerely,
Leodyne"
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