Peak Market Research Mystery Shopper, Consumer Research Project Clifton Park, New York
I am a licensed investigator so I know what to look for when it comes to false documents.
This was not an obvious scam at first read. It took a second review to catch all the faults from the scammers. Also, this is the most elaborate scam I have seen since the Nigerian Petroleum, (et al.) from about 10 years ago.
First - there are too many contacts for this being a "mystery shopper" company. The letter shows 4 different contacts, and only one contact corresponds to the NY office (even then, it is not clear he is representing said office). A NY company might hire home workers to do some of this, but from Ontario Canada? Highly unlikely. Also, a NY company might bank in Delaware for tax reasons, but never Texas.
The check itself looks 100% flawless, save for the low resolution bank logo. It is laser printed and may even be done with magnetic toner (very expensive). The one major problem is the routing numbers don't jive to any known US banking system. Probably drawn on a Canadian bank.
That being said, the check is a legitimately forged check, and therefore is a Class A Felony. If they are sending out these checks all over the country, it stands to reason they could go to prison for life if they are caught. (let's hope!)
Since I read the other report on here dated July 20, 2010, my letter was dated July 28, 2010. I was given a check with a larger amount than that other persons, and there was a different office phone number. It stands to reason (if they are smart enough) the scammers are being selective for different parts of the country, and timing it to change phone & fax lines about once a week or so to maximize their "rip-off" returns.
Beware ANYTHING to do with sending or receiving funds from parties you do not know. They are 100% scams.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Yoli
Pontiac,Illinois,
United States of America
Beware! Don't Get Scammed!
#2Consumer Comment
Thu, June 02, 2011
For those of you receiving these bogus "You have expressed your interest to become a mystery shopper and earn some money"! scams. Do Your Homework! I have received one these letters. Sounded to good to be true, and of course it is. And due to our crummy economy, no jobs, people in dire need just to pay the rent, these vultures swoop down and prey on us.
There are plenty of legit mystery shopper companies out there. But if a company is asking you to "cash" a check from your personal checking or savings account, BEWARE! Especially if the letters heading is from New York, phone number listed to a contact is from Canada, cashiers check is issued from Minneapolis, and fax is from Texas! Thats what I got.
I am grateful for websites like this to look up these companies. And one more thing people, just cuz their letter states that their company is listed with the Better Business Bureau, they are trying to throw you off with not checking up on them!! Check up on ALL work from home offers, or any type of heres a check and all you have to do is....... SCAMS!!!