Lately I’ve been receiving a lot of email with offers of jobs as a “Secret Shopper”, or a “Mystery Shopper”. I’ve largely ignored them, until now.
I responded to the scam out of curiosity, as you can imagine, I’m skeptical of most any online money making offer.
As it turns out, I’m glad I did. Even I was surprised at how quickly the scam directs you to Western Union. The first “shopping assignment” I had was to “test” Western Union!
As you read through the scam, you can see how the first letters were pre-formatted, and the English grows increasingly worse as I create problems for them. In the end, they're anything but polite professionals.
Interested in Employing Honest and Well Meaning People
From: Charlotte Slocum <cslocum@misericordia.edu> Sent: Mon, October 25, 2010 3:44:51 AM Subject: Prospective Employee
Ruian Zhudian Machinery Makes Co., Ltd. Hutou Industrial Park Mayu Town Rui'an City, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China (Mainland)
Prospective Employee,
The Zhudian Machinery is making available employment opportunities for individuals/companies to benefit from our International Business by aiding us bridge the financial gap between us and our customers in Canada, America and Eastern Europe.
We offer the role of Payment Officer position to those who are computer literate, run a personal email and understand the use of the Microsoft Office properly{Word and Excel}.
Salary:
$3,000/month!(Minimum) Position: Payment Officer. Experience: None - We will guide you through. Requirements: Positive Attitude, Honesty and Integrity. Schedule: 5+ hours/week.
You choose your hours. Be informed that our business is totally legal and we are only interested in employing honest and well meaning people.
Indicate your interest to; HR Manager: Mr. Lawrence Lou. Telephone: +852 8125 4852 Fax: +852 3015 1820
From: John Mathews Sent: Thu, October 7, 2010 5:37:06 PM Subject: Payment Delivery Status
Payment Delivery Status
Good Morning to you and using this medium to thank you for accepting to be our representative
However, we would like to use this medium to remind you that your information as been added to our database and you are now legally qualified to receive payments from our customers within your region and vicinity.
Furthermore, I will like to inform you that the first payment has been sent out to you via regular mail which I believe you should have gotten to your address by now. Please I will like to know if you have received the payment or not?
Please note an instruction is attached to the payment which you are required to follow accordingly for the easy and quick processing of this transaction.
Regards
John Mathews
From: John Mathews <johnmathews@paymentdirect.org> To: allreaders.net Sent: Mon, October 25, 2010 8:06:27 AM Subject: PAYMENT ON THE WAY.{ENDEAVOR TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTION ACCORDINGLY}
ENDEAVOR TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTION ACCORDINGLY
Dear Financial Representative,
Thank you for accepting to be our financial representative. The first check payment{MONEY ORDER} has been enclosed and sent to you via USPS regular which should be reaching you anytime from now. Which you are required to look out for the mail. I will like you to read the below instruction carefully so that you can perform well in your first transaction without mistakes.
STEPS TO TAKE
- PROCEED TO YOUR BANK WERE YOU HAVE AN EXISTING BANK ACCOUNT TO DEPOSIT THE MONEY ORDER IMMEDIATELY IN TO ACCOUNT.
- NOTE THAT NORMAL BANKING RULE, A DAY HOLD IS PUT ON THE FUNDS THAT IS WHY YOU ARE ADVISED TO DEPOSIT THE MONEY ORDER.
- THEREAFTER, DEDUCT YOUR 10% COMMISSION AS AGREED FROM THE TOTAL FUND AS YOUR SERVICES CHARGE.
- SEND THE REMAINING BALANCE OF 90% TO OUR SUPPLIER OF RAW MATERIAL VIA WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER (immediate transfer service):
RECEIVER NAME: SISSOKO OUSMANE
DESTINATION: 5900 W. IOWA ST
CHICAGO IL 60651
- YOU ARE TO DEDUCT THE TRANSFER CHARGES FROM THE AMOUNT YOU ARE SENDING, NOT YOUR 10% COMMISSION.
- FINALLY, YOU ARE TO STRICTLY CONTACT US BACK WITH THE MONEY TRANSFER DETAILS, (i.e.: the transaction numbers and exact amount sent). BELOW IS THE CONTACT DETAIL:
"We have a mystery shopping assignment in your area and we would like you to participate"
Secret Shopper (R) is accepting applications for qualified individuals to become mystery shoppers. It's fun and rewarding, and you choose when and where you want to shop.
You are never obligated to accept anassignment. There is no charge to become a shopper and you do not need previous experience. After you sign up, you will have access to training materials via e-mail, fax or postal mail.
ABOUT US
Secret Shopper(R) is the premier mystery shopping company, serving clients across America and Canada with over 500,000 shoppers available and ready to help businesses better serve their customers.
Continual investment in the latest internet and communication technologies coupled with over 16 years of know-how means working with Secret Shopper(R) is a satisfying and rewarding experience.
Secret shopping as seen on ABC NEWS, NBC NEWS, L.A.TIMES.Stores and organizations such as The Gap, Walmart, Pizza Hut, and Bank. One amongst many others pay for Secret Shoppers to shop in their establishments and report their experiences.
On top of being paid for shopping you are also allowed to keep purchases for free. SecretShopper(R) NEVER charge fees to the shopper. Training, tips for improvement, and shopping opportunities are provided free to registered shoppers.
Mystery shoppers are either paid a pre-arranged fee for a particular shop, a reimbursement for a purchaseor a combination of both.Secret Shopper(R) has available.
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
First Name............................................. Middle Name............................................. Last Name............................................. Street Address ............................................. City, State, Zip Code ............................................. Cell Phone Number ............................................. Home Phone Number ............................................. Age.................................................................... Current Occupation...................................................... Alternate Email Address ............................................. AVAILABILITY:Days/Hours Available : Monday ............................................. Tuesday ............................................. Wednesday ............................................. Thursday ............................................. Friday ............................................. Saturday ............................................. Sunday ............................................. Hours Available: from _______ to ______
We await your urgent response.
Thank you for your help. We look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Micheal Jenny Mystery Secret Shopper (R)
From:mike@yahoo.com To: Micheal Jenny mjeninc@msn.com Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 5:10:28 PM Subject: Re: EMPLOYMENT NOTIFICATION/ PART-TIME JOB OFFER
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
First Name.......Michael Middle Name...........B
Last Name.........Jordn Street Address ....4220 Benson Dr.
City, State, Zip Code ....Bellevue. WA. 98006 Cell Phone Number .....206 218 8358.. Home Phone Number ....425..656....6536
Age.....44....... Current Occupation.....Doctor.... Alternate Email Address ....mike@hotmail.com... AVAILABILITY:Days/Hours Available : Monday ......8........................................ Tuesday .......8....................................... Wednesday ..8............................................ Thursday ......8....................................... Friday .............................................. Saturday .............................................. Sunday ............................................. Hours Available: from __9am_____ to __5pm____
Michael Jordan
From: Micheal Jenny <mjeninc@msn.com> To:mike@yahoo.com Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 6:06:36 PM Subject: APPLICATION RECEIVED
Dear Applicant,
I am glad to inform you that your contact details have been received by our team and will like to congratulate you as a member of ourworking team.You will be receiving an e-mail shortly from your assigned supervisor.
Your first assignment will be assigned to you within the next few minutes.Kindly acknowledge the receipt of this e-mail.
Once Again, Congratulations.
Sincerely, Micheal Jenny Mystery Shopper Inc
From: Micheal Jenny mjeninc@msn.com To:mike@yahoo.com Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 6:22:16 PM Subject: FIRST ASSIGNMENT/URGENT RESPONSE
Shopper's Guide wants you to run a survey on two prominent companies in your area. The 1st is a Western Union Location The 2nd a Restaurant There have been reports about laps in the services of their Management and some of their staffs.
Their complains are based on reports which their customers forwarded anonymously and Phone calls which were also made to the head office.The Western union location was reported for evaluation for the following reasons:
I) Customers have reported their money missing ii) Slow services iii) Unbalanced transfer charges
The 2nd company was reported to be rendering:
(I) Poor services (ii) Rudeness to customers (iii) Excess charge (iii) Late opening time and Closing before time.
Your Secret Evaluation would be:
1) To make a transfer of funds from this western union location to our Mystery shopper,And the funds would be picked up by another mystery shopper at another location where a customer reported her funds missing.
2) You would have to record the time at which you go to the location and how many minutes it took you to get service.
3) You would be sent a check which would cover your payment of $200 and also for the duty. As soon as you receive the check, you should cash in at your bank, and deduct your $300.00, and use the rest of the money for the services.
4) Upon receiving the funds, the locations address would be forwarded to you, and also the Name and address of whom the Mystery shoppers transfer would be made to. You would have to keep a comprehensive report on every activity you carry out.
5) You would also provide me with the name of the cashier that attended to you.
Please send me a reply so that the check would be sent out to you ASAP.
Yours Sincerely Mystery Team. Secret Shopper(R)=
From:mike@yahoo.com To: Micheal Jenny mjeninc@msn.com Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 9:51:03 AM Subject: Re: FIRST ASSIGNMENT/URGENT RESPONSE
Sounds easy enough, though it doesn't exactly sound like "shopping". I assume you'll be sending the check soon so I can wire the money for the test?
Michael
From: Micheal Jenny mjeninc@msn.com To:mike@yahoo.com Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 1:16:32 PM Subject: RE: FIRST ASSIGNMENT/URGENT RESPONSE
Which do you preffer? Actually we asked you to make use of your funds to know how fast you are,after then we will send the check immediately,More so, kindly get back to me with your idea.
Awaiting your response.
Micheal Jenny Manager Mystery Shopper (R)
Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 04:06:10 -0700 From: mike@yahoo.com Subject: Re: FIRST ASSIGNMENT/URGENT RESPONSE To: mjeninc@msn.com
Ma'am, I'm not really looking for a part time job that takes money out of my pocket. Your email was very clear, you said you would send a check for me to deposit, and use that money to perform the task..
Michael
From: Micheal Jenny mjeninc@msn.com To:mike@yahoo.com Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 2:21:45 PM Subject: RE: FIRST ASSIGNMENT/URGENT RESPONSE
In that case, we will be sending you the check which will get to you before friday, More so, I will update you with a tracking number in order for you to trace it.
Hope you're okay with this?
Thanks
M. Jenny
From:mike@yahoo.com To: Micheal Jenny mjeninc@msn.com Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 3:18:56 PM Subject: Re: FIRST ASSIGNMENT/URGENT RESPONSE
Yes ma'am, I think things work better when one sticks to the plan.
We mailed to confirm if you're still interested in working with us as a secret shopper,If yes? Kindly acknowledge this email,Because the payment are been ready to made out to you. Thanks Management Mystery Team
Thanks for your swift response, I was notified that UPS couldn't locate your address, in other words the package is in exception rightnow, so kindly locate the nearest ups office with the tracking number given to you so you can collect the package.
Thanks for working with us.
Mystery Team
From:mike@yahoo.com To: Micheal Jenny mjeninc@msn.com Sent: Sunday, June 7, 2009 5:41:39 AM Subject: Re: PAYMENT NOTIFICATION
I'm afraid thats because the address doesn't really exist.
Michael
From: Micheal Jenny mjeninc@msn.com To:mike@yahoo.com Sent: Monday, June 8, 2009 8:50:14 PM Subject: Western Union Transfer Details
Hello Mike,
Thanks for your response, Now i'm been notified that you've received the payment which i will like you to cash the check immediately and deduct your percentage as a secret shopper and get the rest balance sent to the given secret agent in other location, Below are the details:- Name:-DIANE HUCKLEBY Address:-267 ROGER BEN AVE. FOUNTAIN FUN, KENTUCKY 87280
Kindly get back to me with the needed details below:-
1. Name and Address of Sender. 2. Money Transfer Control Number 3. Amount Wired after deducting your 10% pay and the cost of transfer. 4. Test Question and Answer if ANY.
Eager to read from you today.
Thanks
Micheal Jenny
Date: Tue, 9 Jun 2009 05:24:47 -0700 From: mike@yahoo.com Subject: Re: Western Union Transfer Details To: mjeninc@msn.com
Heres the receipt, it does appear that I typed it one number off. When can I expect the next check?
Michael
From: Micheal Jenny mjeninc@msn.com To:mike@yahoo.com Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2009 4:30:49 PM Subject: RE: Western Union Transfer Details
Hello Mike,
Thanks for your response, I can't read the receipt, Kindly resend the receipt or Retype the MTCN NO to me, Moreso you will receive the next check before friday.
Thanks
M.Jenny
From: mike@yahoo.com Subject: Re: Western Union Transfer Details To: mjeninc@msn.com
So sorry, about that. Man, I look at this damn receipt and its hard to read, I can't quite make out the numbers on it. The ink must have smeared or something.
Maybe you can read it.
Michael
From: Micheal Jenny mjeninc@msn.com To:mike@yahoo.com Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2009 5:05:10 PM Subject: RE: Western Union Transfer Details
Please, Whats the exact amount sent and the senders full info? Please get back to me with this infos asap. I will be waiting to read back from you.
Date: Tue, 9 Jun 2009 07:23:09 -0700 From: mike@yahoo.com Subject: Re: Western Union Transfer Details To: mjeninc@msn.com
I gave you the receipt jenny, take it to them.
Michael
From: Micheal Jenny mjeninc@msn.com To:mike@yahoo.com Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2009 5:31:37 PM Subject: GET BACK ASAP!!!
As i have said in my previous email, I cant see whats on the reciept you sent to me bcus the things on it are too small for me to see.
The best thing for you to do is to cross check whats on the reciept and send me the western union control number/ MTCN, the amount and the full senders info.. Please get this done asap today and you will get another check tomorrow. Waiting to read back from you asap.
Whats the meaning of all this? I have been emailing you to send me the western union details but still yet you havent. Diane Huckleby just came back from the western union agent store around, and they told her the money is not available in her name, the western union reciept you sent has been seen clearly to us, the money you sent was not sent to kentucky and also it was not also sent to diane, the amount you told us you sent was not the amount on the reciept... whats going on?
Get back to me asap and let me know whats up or it will be better for you to go back to the western union store and let them correct all the mistakes.
Waiting to read back from you.
From:mike@yahoo.com To: Micheal Jenny mjeninc@msn.com Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 6:23:48 AM Subject: Re: whats going on???
"Whats the meaning of all this?"
I'm unsure what your inferring, but it does appear we have successfully proven that there is indeed a problem with Western Union. I should refer you to your previous email:
"Their complains are based on reports which their customers forwarded anonymously and Phone calls which were also made to the head office.The Western union location was reported for evaluation for the following reasons:"
I) Customers have reported their money missing ii) Slow services iii) Unbalanced transfer charges
Now, as it does appear the money is missing, and we see how they did it (deceptive receipts with intentional mistakes), we need to proceed to the next level and fill out the evaluation form and meet with the client thats paying you for testing the service.
That is at least how one would think we would proceed. You seem far more concerned about the money, than the fact that we have valuable information to now share with the client. They have the money, and they will recover it, I asure you.l
I think they will be very pleased.
Michael
From: Micheal Jenny mjeninc@msn.com To:mike@yahoo.com Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 6:56:39 AM Subject: GET IT DONE ASAP!!!
Okay, I got and understood your email. Please i will want you to kindly go to the western union store where you sent the money asap and have them correct all mistakes made on the reciept. Here is the name you will have to send the money to once again..
Name: Diane Huckleby City: Fountain Run State: Kentucky.
Here are the infos i will be needing from you as soon as you get the infos corrected..
Sender`s Full Name And Address: MTCN/WESTERN UNION MONEY CONTROL NUMBER: AMOUNT SENT:
This needs to be done very early in the morning bcus our client is about to send another payment to you, but we wont have the check sent to you untill you have this mistakes corrected.
I will be hoping and counting on you.
Regards.
Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 21:38:04 -0700 From: mike@yahoo.com Subject: Re: GET IT DONE ASAP!!! To: mjeninc@msn.com
How about this, send the other check, and I'll go to a different WU and try it all again, and at the same time, I'll try to fix the problem at the first one.
I have a feeling it's going to take some time to get to the bottom of it; perhaps I should contact the police.
Michael
From: Micheal Jenny mjeninc@msn.com To:mike@yahoo.com Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 7:50:21 AM Subject: RE: GET IT DONE ASAP!!!
Hey, You are not the first person who will work with us, So i dont think there should be a reaosn for you to teach me what to do.
If truely you took the money to the wu to send, then go back to the wu store and have them correct the mistakes and then email me the infos.. there is no need for you to police.
we have agent who works in the fbi.. just go back to the wu and correct the mistake. send the money in minutes this time.
From: Micheal Jenny mjeninc@msn.com To:mike@yahoo.com Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 4:07:36 PM Subject: RE: GET IT DONE ASAP!!!
what the fuck do you mean? You shouldn`t have lied right from the begining.. I trusted you and that was why i had to send you the check and even employ you.
You are such an idiot that someone cant trust. Its better you send the money today or else ill send the fbi to you in no time.
Micheal, please,..where are you? What should I do? Help me. I used the money to pay bills I owed, they were going to cut the power off at my house, and I have five kids. I didn't spend all of it, but most.
How can I fix this problem, I don't want to go to jail.
Michael
From: Micheal Jenny mjeninc@msn.com To:mike@yahoo.com Sent:Thursday, June 11, 2009 1:34:24 PM Subject: RE: GET IT DONE ASAP!!!
How much do you have left with you? Moreso go and lend money to payback the funds after that we can issue you another ayment.
From: Micheal Jenny mjeninc@msn.com To:mike@yahoo.com Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2009 3:46:52 PM Subject: RE: GET IT DONE ASAP!!!
Send it via Western Union to the name given ealier and get back to me immediately as you send the funds with the details needed to pick it up. Make sure you go send it now, and do prompt me with the infos.
From: Micheal Jenny mjeninc@msn.com To:mike@yahoo.com Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2009 5:02:56 PM Subject: RE: GET IT DONE ASAP!!!
Mike or what do you call yourself, do you know this is an organisation you're dealing with? What sort of rubbish words are you telling me?
I know how to handle people like you, this will be the last email i will mail you for you to send the $1200 you have with you and i give a grace of 30mins.
Try me
Jenny
From:mike@yahoo.com To: Micheal Jenny mjeninc@msn.com Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2009 5:54:28 PM Subject: Re: GET IT DONE ASAP!!!
Micheal, I'm sorry, but I have to be honest with you; there will be no cash coming your way. Much like the Mugu's you usually leave waiting for their cash, you now wait for yours..
You see, it doesn't feel good to be tricked and to lose money due to the trickery, does it? . Just as you laugh at your victims, today, your victims laugh at you.
However, you do at least get a nice parting gift for the money you spent on the bogus check you mailed to my bogus address.
Please visit this link, and you'll understand whats happened.
