Uprate Research Inc. sending checks under the name of F&F Hardware and Supply, Inc. (stolen account info) Mystery shopper scam. Check in the amount of $3325.00. $2770 to be moneygram or western union to a charla marshall or a brian williams to assess the ID processes. also $100. at a variety of retail. Bronx, New York
Uprate Research Inc. sends an envelope with a canadian stamp, a return address from Luiseville, CA, and a check that looks like a legit chack from F&F Hardware and Supply Inc. This firm uses the real street address from F&F. This is a real company who'd banking info was stolen. I called the 888-308-4940 phone number on the 2 page letter that accompanied the check and it was full. I looked up F&F Hardware on the internet and found a real phone number and called them to ask if they knew they were being scammed also, and they said yes. They are aware of the scam and asked if I would please fax them the info. This group whoever they are -Uprate- even put the harware stores real address on the letter as a return address. They promised a $320.00 training fee but the western union or moneygram had to be sent asap of course. DO not deposit this check it will be returned and you will be out of any money you sent or spend.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Laurie
Haslet,Texas,
U.S.A.
MYSTERY SHOPPING SCAM INFO ON FTC WEBSITE
#2Consumer Suggestion
Tue, October 13, 2009
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt151.shtm
The Secrets of Mystery Shopping Revealed
Do you love to shop? If so, you may be tempted by unsolicited emails or newspaper ads that claim you can earn a living as a secret or mystery shopper by dining at elegant restaurants, shopping at pricey stores, or checking into luxurious hotels. But, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nations consumer protection agency, marketers who promise lucrative jobs as mystery shoppers often do not deliver bona fide opportunities.
What is Mystery Shopping?
Some retailers hire marketing research companies to evaluate the quality of service in their stores; these companies use mystery shoppers to get the information anonymously. They assign a mystery shopper to make a particular purchase in a store or restaurant, for example, and then report on the experience. Typically, the shopper is reimbursed, and can keep the product or service.
Many professionals in the field consider mystery shopping a part-time activity, at best. And, they add, opportunities generally are posted online by marketing research or merchandising companies. Nevertheless, fraudulent mystery shopping promoters are using newspaper ads and emails to create the impression that theyre a gateway to lucrative mystery shopper jobs with reputable companies. These solicitations usually promote a website where consumers can register to become mystery shoppers after they pay a fee for information about a certification program, a directory of mystery shopping companies, or a guarantee of a mystery shopping job
The truth is that it is unnecessary to pay money to anyone to get into the mystery shopper business. The shopping certification offered in advertising or unsolicited email is almost always worthless. A list of companies that hire mystery shoppers is available for free; and legitimate mystery shopper jobs are on the Internet for free. Consumers who try to get a refund from promoters of mystery shopping jobs usually are out of luck. Either the business doesnt return the phone calls, or if it does, its to try another pitch.
The Facts of Mystery Shopping
Becoming a legitimate mystery shopper for a legitimate company doesnt cost anything. Heres how to do it:
Search the Internet for mystery shopping companies that are accepting applications. Legitimate companies dont charge an application fee. Many accept applications online.
Do some homework about mystery shopping. Check libraries or bookstores for tips on how to find companies hiring mystery shoppers, as well as how to do the job effectively.
You can visit the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) website at www.mysteryshop.org for information on how to register to be a mystery shopper with a MSPA-member company, a database of available jobs, and additional information on the industry in general. The MSPA also offers certification programs for a fee.
In the meantime, the FTC says consumers should be skeptical of mystery shopping promoters who:
Advertise for mystery shoppers in a newspapers help wanted section or by email. While it may appear as if these companies are hiring mystery shoppers, its much more likely that theyre pitching unnecessary and possibly bogus mystery shopping services.
Sell certification. Companies that use mystery shoppers generally do not require certification.
Guarantee a job as a mystery shopper.
Charge a fee for access to mystery shopping opportunities.
Sell directories of companies that provide mystery shoppers.
If you think you have encountered a mystery shopping scam, file a complaint with your local consumer protection agency, the Better Business Bureau, your State Attorney General, or the FTC.
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues , visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network , a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
January 2009