This message was sent out by Ann Mullins, Regional Vice President, of the Better Business Burea - Cullman
Secret Shoppers Scam Targeting Americans
Your Better Business Bureau is alerting members to a Canadian company that
is targeting residents in Alabama and other states.
Alabama residents have been seeking information on a company named Secret
Shoppers located at 1555 Regent Ave., W, Winnipeg, MB R2C 2J4, Phone
204-952-8272 and website www.secretshoppers.ca
<http://www.secretshoppers.ca>. Consumers report
receiving a letter from this company or have seen their advertisement in local print media.
According to the BBB of Manitoba & NW Ontario, Canada, the firm advertises
for secret shoppers. Consumers responding to the company's advertisement
have reported receiving a package, which includes a check which has ranged
in the amounts of $974 to $2600.00. The consumer is instructed to submit a
probationary assignment and then take the money to Wal-Mart and, through
Moneygram, send funds to a made up name in a Canadian city. The consumer is
then to fill out a worksheet indicating their experience with delivery
through Moneygram.
The BBB of Manitoba & NW Ontario indicates that they have been informed
that
the calls to the company's phone number are being rerouted outside of
Manitoba.
The company has been reported to do business under other names, some of
which are duplicates of legitimate businesses operating in the United
States. Those names include:
Beach Hepburn
Fifth Third Bank Company
Fifth Third Bank Kentucky Inc.
Landmark Bank
Plant World
Secret Shoppers Canada Inc.
The BBB warns: If a company provides you with a check to cover the costs of
any administration fees, taxes, etc. and asks you to cash the check and wire
the money to their representative - USE EXTREME CAUTION. While your local
bank may find initially that the check appears legitimate, Bureau experience
shows that weeks later, after the funds have been transferred to the
consumer, the check is found to be fraudulent or written on a stolen account
and the consumer is left owing the money back to the bank.
If you have been contacted by this firm, or have sent this firm a money
transfer, we would suggest that you contact Project Phone Busters in Canada
by calling toll free to 1-888-495-8501.
