Yesterday I received in the mail an official looking letter.  Enclosed with it was a check from Chicago Title.  It's an offer for a Secret Shopper opportunity (see in italics below).  The check is watermarked.  I checked the routing number and it's legitimately a B of A routing number.  The three page letter has logos of stores we all know well (Best Buy, Old Navy, etc). 

The check for almost $3,000 from a title company was suspicious enough but I was intrigued by how professional it appeared.  Like the online scams, it involves my cashing or depositing the check and wiring a portion of it back to "mystery shop" the Western Union office.  I'd be paid $500 and also got to keep all the merchandise I was required to purchase at various stores (no consistency here - they use Walgreens/Walmart interchangeably, Old Navy's logo is shown but not mentioned, one place it says Sears, another it says "JC Penny"). 

The 877 number tracks only to a long list of other numbers with no company or source.  The address on the check is for 171 Clerk whereas Chicago Title is at 171 Clark St.  The logo on the check is perfect.  I called Chicago Title at that address and spoke to a VP who had heard they'd gotten a call earlier and put me through to the right person.  She asked if I had the envelope.  I do.  It's postmarked from Canada.  I scanned it and the check and sent it over.  She said the FBI is involved and B of A is aware of the scam.  They're trying to shut off the 877 number to clue people in should they fall for this.

When I first received it, I googled various things to see if I got a hit on this particular scam.  Nothing comes up yet.  I guess I'm one of the lucky ones to receive the first wave.  Unfortunately I've been on the forums of the mystery shopping sites and many are looking for a quick buck and they'll make easy targets.  Too many don't heed the "if it sounds too good to be true..."

I'm a member of MSPA which is the legit organization for mystery shopping and I've done (and do occasionally) high-end mystery shops at restaurants and hotels when they're available and I have the time.  I like to write and eating gratis at fine-dining establishments and staying at nice hotels while being obliged to enjoy their amenities has its perks.  Unfortunately, as the economy slowed, the better shops have gone away or offer less.

KC