I did a search but couldn’t find this topic. If it was discussed previously I’d be happy if someone could point me to the earlier thread.

I know it’s a scam because nobody’s sending me $3,990 out of the blue.

I’m too impatient to read all the details but I see two Moneygram transfers, one for $1,730 and one for $1,520. Geez, they may as well attach a blaring siren and flashing lights to the paper itself.

Ah, I see. One of the places I’m assigned to “mystery shop” is a Moneygram store. Quel surprise! I’m supposed to “test” them by depositing the company’s generous “advance” into my bank account, then wire those two amounts back to the company from a Moneygram store. Very reasonable assignment, I’d say. It’s a pity I know the generous advance would go poof shortly thereafter. Or before. I’m just curious how that works. Can a check bounce after it clears?

The company’s letterhead places them in Ontario, Canada. The check is drawn on a Chase branch in San Angelo, Texas. On the check, the company’s address is listed as Minneapolis, Minnesota. Well, that doesn’t seem shady at all. Does Chase care or even know about such shenanigans?

And how do these jokers get my name and address? Should I be concerned that it could be from a source that might also be disclosing truly sensitive information (social security #, credit or banking info, etc.)?

sharl said:I know it’s a scam because nobody’s sending me $3,990 out of the blue.

I’m too impatient to read all the details but I see two Moneygram transfers, one for $1,730 and one for $1,520. Geez, they may as well attach a blaring siren and flashing lights to the paper itself.

Ah, I see. One of the places I’m assigned to “mystery shop” is a Moneygram store. Quel surprise! I’m supposed to “test” them by depositing the company’s generous “advance” into my bank account, then wire those two amounts back to the company from a Moneygram store. Very reasonable assignment, I’d say. It’s a pity I know the generous advance would go poof shortly thereafter. Or before. I’m just curious how that works. Can a check bounce after it clears?

The company’s letterhead places them in Ontario, Canada. The check is drawn on a Chase branch in San Angelo, Texas. On the check, the company’s address is listed as Minneapolis, Minnesota. Well, that doesn’t seem shady at all. Does Chase care or even know about such shenanigans?

And how do these jokers get my name and address? Should I be concerned that it could be from a source that might also be disclosing truly sensitive information (social security #, credit or banking info, etc.)?

me too, am too impatient to explain the details of this scam. good luck

They give you fake money/check/moneygram/money order, etc...
You deposit it, then send the money. By the time the item bounces, they are long gone and you are out that money.

chocula said:They give you fake money/check/moneygram/money order, etc...
You deposit it, then send the money. By the time the item bounces, they are long gone and you are out that money.If you're the type who likes taking risks, you could cash the fake check at a check-cashing service, just make sure you give them a fake ID so they can't track you down and break your kneecaps.

Basically, you have to pay them (i.e. registration fee) for them to pay you. It's a classic scam pattern. Other example I can think of is buydirect.com

Sure, Chase probably hears about it all the time. Do they care? Not really. There's nothing they can do about it, unless they feel like spending some serious cash sending everyone in the country a letter saying "Don't cash these checks!" You could probably send the letter over to Chase and see if they care, but you'll probably just get a canned letter saying they'll look into it. Companies are mis-represented by fraudsters all the time.

If anyone's interested in real mystery shopping, here's a list of companies that belong to the Mystery Shopping Providers Association.. I've worked for (and been paid by) three companies on this list.