Email I received from Global Opinion Panels about Mystery Shopping Scam

[KellyMarie]

Dear KELLY,

I want to alert you to a scam that is presently being conducted.

We recently learned about a Mystery Shopping scam that uses Synovate’s name and targets various people. The scam is distributed via ground mail, and most envelopes are postmarked as originating from Canada. Recipients are asked to cash a counterfeit bank check that is included, and then wire money overseas to “test the process” as a Mystery Shopper. It carries a promise of earning a great deal of money.

Please know that this is a scam and is not affiliated with Synovate Global Opinion Panels. We will never ask you to cash checks, wire funds or purchase anything to participate in a study.

If you receive an e-mail or mailing that seems suspicious or fraudulent, please notify me immediately by e-mail at marie@synovate.net or by calling 1-800-745-4267. If you receive this specific fraudulent mailing, we ask that you also contact your local authorities to alert them of this matter.

With Regards,

Marie Brighton

[Delissa]

It's pretty safe to assume you should NEVER wire money out of the country to someone you don't know personally. This reminds me of those email inheritance scams. People will truly try anything won't they?

[KellyMarie]

It's crazy that someone would fall for it in this day and age!!! And I agree, people will try anything...sad

[wendy1214]

I got this email too.

Last week I got a check in the mail for $972- I got all excited,- had just paid out a bunch of bills.....- but when I read it, I realized it was one of those scam things. I feel bad for people who cash those checks and then get the NSF fees. etc.....