Secret Shopper Scam
orig_long red
Posts: 2,029
hey board ... long time, no read.
anyways ... just browsing around Craigslist for some free stuff when I happened over to the jobs section ... came across an offer to become a secret shopper. It sounded fishy, but I wanted to email the person anyway, just cause I was curious what they would say. Well, after an email from them telling me that I was "hired" (w/out an interview, btw), they told me that my "assignment" was to test out a local Western Union Money Wiring Service. Without any further communication, they sent me 3 money order checks totaling $2850.00. They want me to deposit this money into my bank account, subtract my $200 work fee, then wire the rest to this person in England. Riiiiiiiiight.
Obviously a scam and I have no intention of carrying out this task. But my question is, what should I do with these checks? I feel like I'm breaking the law just being in possession of them. Should I simply destroy them or turn them in to my bank or the authorities?
whatcha think?
anyways ... just browsing around Craigslist for some free stuff when I happened over to the jobs section ... came across an offer to become a secret shopper. It sounded fishy, but I wanted to email the person anyway, just cause I was curious what they would say. Well, after an email from them telling me that I was "hired" (w/out an interview, btw), they told me that my "assignment" was to test out a local Western Union Money Wiring Service. Without any further communication, they sent me 3 money order checks totaling $2850.00. They want me to deposit this money into my bank account, subtract my $200 work fee, then wire the rest to this person in England. Riiiiiiiiight.
Obviously a scam and I have no intention of carrying out this task. But my question is, what should I do with these checks? I feel like I'm breaking the law just being in possession of them. Should I simply destroy them or turn them in to my bank or the authorities?
whatcha think?
Jam out with your clam out.
Post edited by Unknown User on
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"I don't believe in damn curses. Wake up the damn Bambino and have me face him. Maybe I'll drill him in the ass." --- Pedro Martinez
yeah i was thinking about that ... I was also thinking about taking the "ignore it and it'll go away" approach. but maybe i will go to the police with the checks, along with copies of the emails.
I've been trying to sublet my apt. for the summer so I made a craigslist ad. Almost immediately I get 3 very odd interested peoples, all 30 something y.o. women from europe and very eager to move in soon... so obviously somethings up... even if i was willing to believe a fashion designer or journalist would move from barcelona to fuckin champaign, IL
Anyway, I do a little research and find out its a HUGE nigerian fraud thing... I swear bullshit is the only export of that god forsaken country... they send you a fraudulent check for more than the rent - claiming that their agency sent money for personal expenses as well - and then they want you to wire them the difference... their check bounces, youre out the difference, and there aint shit you can do about it cause theyre out of any jurisdiction... same ole song n dance
just a heads up to anyone in the same position as me right now... its so obviously fake... but someone less careful or more desperate might fall for it
http://seanbriceart.com/
dude, total hijack.
back to your topic... if you have physical checks then there should be a routing number you can trace it back to... im with the other person who said turn it in to the authorities... i know i wouldve busted my scammers if i had enough info to go on
goodluck
http://seanbriceart.com/
A few months ago there was a news story locally warning people about scams like this. Unfortunately, I don't remember it very well other than that these scams have increased with the numbers of people losing their jobs. Safe to say that if more of this stuff is going on then the police are going to be aware of it and will be interested.
No...saying that is what's bullshit :roll:
http://seanbriceart.com/
I thought it was a pretty good line.
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And the PC Police strike again... :roll:
It was that particular sentiment that this ''PC, beaver cleaver'' ( :?) was disagreeing with.
i agree