Secret shoppers - are they legit?

Posted Sat, 07/17/2010 - 06:53 by celiamck

I replied to a craigslist ad for a customer service rep and got an email stating it was for a secret shopper thing and directing me to reply if interested - so I did. Got a 2nd email telling me I would be receiving a check for $2300 - I was supposed to cash this, keep $200 as my fee and the rest I was supposed to take to Western Union and wire it, then report back with my observations.

Cashing a check of that size just sounds wrong - why couldn't/wouldn't they wire the $$ to my bank?

I haven't accepted this "assignment", and was wondering if anybody here has any experience with this, or any thoughts?

Thanks, hope everyone's enjoying the weekend.

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Comments

money laundering?

by becky - 07/17/2010 - 21:14

Sounds like money laundering to me. If the a company name is listed check it with bbb.org. If it's not listed you can request they check it out or report it as a possible scam.

janejane's picture

secret shopper, me too

by janejane - 07/18/2010 - 08:58

I also received the same email and also responded and so far have not heard anything from these people. However at the time I was leary because in my gut I felt that there was something not right with it. Thank you for confirming my worse fears that someone is trying to scam us unemployed. Shame on these assholes!
Jane

jane

secret shopper scam

by celiamck - 07/18/2010 - 13:29

i know, it sucks. I googled this and verified that it is a scam, so props to us for not falling for it! may they rot in the deepest pit of hell.

scheme

by Neutrina - 07/20/2010 - 14:03

Sounds like a money laundering scheme.

secret shopping is legit.. but this is a total scam

by activeleisure - 07/20/2010 - 18:38

There are plenty of legit secret shopping companies out there, but anything that asks you to cash a check before doing any work is NOT legit.

When I was unemployed I did secret shopping as well as a ton of LEGIT online surveys to earn some xtra money. These didn't pay my bills, but every little bit helped!

Here's a link to my blog with a variety of legitimate sites.(I know this because I only listed sites that actually paid me)

http://activeleisure.wordpress.com/survey-sites/

My Unemployment Blog: http://activeleisure.wordpress.com

Thanks

by celiamck - 07/21/2010 - 08:02

Thanks for the link, I'll definitely check it out.

chuck's picture

Beware of anything on Craigslist

by chuck - 07/21/2010 - 17:44

It is rife with scammers of all flavors.

It's sad because it used to be a wonderful resource.

When life hands you sh*t, make fertilizer.

sad but...

by celiamck - 07/22/2010 - 06:34

too true, chuck. too true

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