Yesterday I received a Priority Mail envelope from an address I didn't recognize. Inside was a cashier's check for $1930.00 and a job offer. Whoopee!
The enclosed letter told me I had been selected as a Wal-Mart secret shopper. What fun! How did they know I've always wanted to be a mystery shopper? I never applied for the job.
Pretty good money, too. Oh wait, the letter went on to say that my actual compensation would only be $300, not the entire $1930 that they'd entrusted to me. Still, $300 for a couple hours' work was not bad. I was instructed to deposit the check, then go purchase something at Wal-Mart for under $50, and then report on my interaction with the cashier.
The next part of the assignment required me to evaluate the Walmart2Walmart money transfer system by sending my new employer $1516 in two monetary transfers of $780 each. The person who wrote the instructions must not have been able to add, because $780 times two is $1560. And it sounded like there'd also be a $20 fee for making a transfer, but that would be covered by the $1930 check.
They emphasized that my task must be completed within three days of receiving the letter. (They especially want that money transfer made before their cashier's check bounces.)
I'm also supposed to send them a text or email to let them know I received the package, before I deposit the check. (That way, they'll have confirmation of live contacts for future phishing expeditions.)
My first thought—even though the letter warned me not to—was to contact Wal-Mart and make them aware of the scam. But then I just googled "Walmart Secret Shopper" and all kinds of fraud alerts appeared. Apparently, Wal-Mart does not even hire mystery shoppers, and they say so on their website. In case I'd missed all the red flags, some of the stories in the online reports sounded exactly like my scenario.
Guess I won't be taking this job after all…
Just curious, I went to the USPS website and checked the tracking number on the Priority Mail envelope. It was real; the response showed the date and time the package was delivered to my address. According to the label, the crooks had paid $9.90 postage to insure and send the bogus check via two-day service. I wonder if it was mailed by some poor soul who was duped by one of those phony "work-from-home" scams…
I dropped by my local police station with my paperwork. One of the detectives does periodic public service presentations to promote awareness about fraud. I figured he could use my letter and check as a visual aid.
"I hope you're not out any money," the receptionist said as she studied my letter. When I assured her I didn't fall for it, she added, "The chief gets these letters from time to time. Addressed to him here at the police station!"
Have you ever been the target or victim of a scam? I'd love to hear your comments.
I have never been a victim of a scam like this, but I have also received letters from fraudsters. In my case they were after my whole bank account. I believe the fraudsters were Nigerians.
ReplyDeleteI see a lot of those as well. Fortunately, most of the emails are directed straight to the Junk folder!
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