From the Pickens Sheriff's Business Watch:
Secret Shopper Scam
Over the past week, a case took place that we feel you should be aware of. The scam took place as follows:
A Pickens County man signed up to be a secret shopper. He was sent a Sun Trust Bank Cashier’s Check, which appeared to be very genuine. He tried to deposit this check at Jasper Banking Company, where an alert cashier caught the check.
Upon investigation, The Criminal Investigation Division of the Pickens Sheriff’s Office found that the scam was to send a check (this one in the amount of $3,750) to a shopper. The shopper is supposed to then cash the check, take minimal amounts from the total, and makes purchases. The shopper is then supposed to evaluate the businesses. The e-mail even told the shopper to stay calm and confident at the bank. Within twenty four hours the shopper was then required to send the remaining money to an address by Western Union Money Gram.
This scam has been reported to be found in numerous counties and appears to be widespread. In other communities, it has been found that Money Orders are also being used.
Please let all of your employees know that they should carefully evaluate any Cashier’s Checks and Money Orders to determine that they are legitimate prior to accepting or cashing them. |
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