Mystery shopper scam

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Elite Baiter Joined: 19 Apr 2008 Posts: 1301

An extension to the fake job scam but I've never seen it done this way before:-

1. I'd been selected for the job of Mystery Shopper (pretty remarkable when I hadn't even applied or had an interview).

2. Upon acceptance of the job offer I got my first "assignment". One is for a restaurant (no details given) and the other is for (surprise, surprise) a Western Union Office which is delivering poor service. I'm to test their customer service etc. by sending money to another mystery shopper (wonder who will pick up the money). Of course all my expenses will be reimbursed (yeah, I bet).

Makes me sick that people who may be desperate for a job or to earn a few pounds are subject to these scumbags.

Is this an unusual scam? Anyone seen it before?

Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 1:20 pm

It's quite common. Nearer to the hired killer end of the scale than the fake lottery end.

Master Baiter Joined: 23 Jan 2009 Posts: 241

This calls for secu7e M7cn

Elite Baiter Joined: 19 Apr 2008 Posts: 1301

Abolutely!

Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 3:46 pm

I've just been hired by k3lly m4cd0n4ld. They're not very picky. My ocupation and my sig clearly states "escort for diserning gentelemens" (sic)

Looks like an overpayment scam to me.

Go and pick up some cash from WU, report on the shop and send them what is left after I take out my $300 fee.

Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 4:49 pm

I've just been hired by k3lly m4cd0n4ld. They're not very picky. My ocupation and my sig clearly states "escort for diserning gentelemens" (sic)

Looks like an overpayment scam to me.

Cash a cheque, go to WU or moneygram, report on the shop and send them what is left after I take out my $300 fee.

Edit: what happened there? I think I must have replied instead of editing. If a mod wants to get rid of the earlier post please do. I can't see a way to delete it.

Trophy Videos · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 5:24 pm

grooble wrote:

Go and pick up some cash from WU, report on the shop and send them what is left after I take out my $300 fee.

Oh, so you receive a payment (from one of their scamming victims or mules), take out your 10% cut or whatever, and send the rest. You become a middle-man in a money laundering scheme, and help to insulate the real scammer. Evil or Very Mad

When the cops come knocking on your door, you receive your "pink slip." Too bad for you. Evil or Very Mad

Elite Baiter Joined: 19 Apr 2008 Posts: 1301

I've just confirmed that I am very pleased with the two assignments which have been offered and I'll see where it leads. My employer is a Mrs 4rle H0ffman. They've asked for a bank account to send some money to. Obviously I won't be using any legitimate one but I'm wondering if I should use one from another scammer which has already been passed on to Alan? Is that acceptable do you think?

Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 11:17 pm

No, the scammer will just recycle it in the future.
Just make up something fake.

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2009 6:55 am

pete515 wrote:

a Western Union Office which is delivering poor service.

Sounds like the perfect self-inflicted setup for delays I've heard of yet.