Complaint Review: Gannett Market Research

I received a letter and a check for $3520.00 from this market research based on a survey indicating being interested in making additional income. Selected to participate in a paid Consumer Research Program in my area as a "Mystery Shopper". This research was fully paid and could become a permanent position. Starting salary would be $400.00 per week. This was a self training program.  There were two assignments: 1) You would pose as a potential customer, shopping and spending $100 on any product of your choice from one of these retail outlets: Walmart, K-Mart, HomeDepot, Sears, Jc Penny, and Best Buy. Complete Section A of the Customer Service Evalustion Tool, answer the questions, fax it and the receipts to the number.  2) You will be trained in a financial transaction by evaluating various banks and other money transferring agencies like MoneyGram/Western Union. Transfer the sum of $2860 to one of the Mystery shoppers listed in Section B. When done fax it and the receipts to the number on letter. The breakdown of how the enclosed check is to be disbursed: Probationary training pay - $400  Funds needed for shopping - $100   Funds for transaction at Money Gram/Western Union  - $2860  Service charge for Money Gram/Western Union   $160     Total = $3520

Needless to say, the offer was too good to be true.  The check was real to be drawn on a Wells Fargo Bank in Iowa.  I took the check to my credit union and deposited it. There was a 5 day wanting period. I waited and the check was sent back for non-sufficient funds.  I would have been charged a $30 service fee but I took the letter into my credit union and showed them this was a scam. Everyone should be aware of this RIP OFF.