I recieved an envelope with NO return address, 12/13/07.
Enclosed was a check for $2,850.00 (US)
The company initials, city, and state ( King Prussia, PA) are on the check, as well as my name ... with the date of 12/5/07
I first read the letter as it stated I was se;ected from their job search Data bank.. as a secret shopper. The letter states they serve over 1250 firms with more to come. I called the number in the letter, as it said I had to call for instructions, and for them to "activate the check". I called the number, and a woman with a thick accent answered the phone,( no noise in the backgroud.. at ALL) I had her repeat herself several times in order to understand her. She went over the breakdown of the funds.. how much to spend where etc. then told me to deposit the check into my bank, then, as soon as it cleared, call them back so they could give me the information to send the money order part of the assignment.
I asked how long the company has been in business, and she immediately got defensive.. telling me I didn't have to take the job if I didn't want to.
Then I asked her if the company was registered with the BBB, and she said no.. I asked why not, and she again got defensive and told me she was new, and didn't know why.. she just knew the company was not.
Once I got off of the phone with her, after she repeatedly told me I would be getting $300.00 for this job, I decided to look the company up on google.. and came up with this web-site. I then decided to call the bank listed on the check. The woman was fantastic. She helped me to find out, without revealing any account info, or company info, that the account was blocked for all checks.. so If I had deposited it into my account, the preliminary clearing results would have been fine, I would have spent the money, then the check would have been "Stop Payment". I would have been out $2,850.00.
I have reported this, and I suggest that everyone else who is contacted by this company does the same.
This is a complete scam and a truely fraudulent act.. the letter even states a code of business conduct and ethics! How rediculous! They even mention in it that fraud and embezlement is illegal, and persons can and will be prosecuted, along with the company!
Beware of Customer Swevice Survey Group, INC. !!! (C.S.S.G. Inc.)
Yakina
Rumford, Maine
U.S.A.