Fraud Alert - Mystery Shopper

A resident reports that her daughter was the victim of a fraud. She reports that her daughter told her about a letter she received along with a check from a company calling itself MSC Marketing Logistics. This company stated in the letter that the victim had expressed interest in becoming a "Mystery Shopper" and if she still wanted to do this all she had to do was cash the enclosed check and they enclosed a check for $2,950.00. After she deposited the check she had to call a number and receive her first assignment within 24 hours. The victim did this on Friday January 15, 2010 and received instructions to make a purchase and evaluate the company and forward the receipt to the company. The victim did this and called them back. The second assignment she got was to try and send $2,250.00 by moneygram to an address that they gave her. She was told that any amount over $2,000 should be denied as Moneygram does not allow any amount over that to be wired. She was instructed that if the retailer accepts the money that she should let it go through but to get the persons name and contact them for disciplinary purposes.The victim did this and the money was accepted and wired to England. When the victim attempted to contact the company again she did not get an answer and tried to do so for three days before advising anybody what happened. Then on Thursday January 21, 2010 the victim was advised by the bank that the check was fraudulent and was declined. The victims bank account was cleaned out and because her father's name was also on the account all of his other accounts were frozen by the bank as well.

Through contact with Moneygram by the victim it was discovered that their policy is not to send any amount over $3,500.00. The bank advised them that it usually takes 10-14 days for a check to actually clear, but most banks make funds available in 24 hours as a courtesy to their customer.

You should be aware that if any job offer requires you to allow someone access to your bank account or for you to send them money should be considered by you to be a scam. If the victim had taken the time to check the policy of the Moneygram company that are posted in each store she may have noticed that something was wrong. The victim is working with the bank, the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General to see if they can help with this matter. If you receive a letter or email that feel may be a scam please contact any of the above agencies anmd the Crafton Police.

Information obtained from Crime Watch Alert email

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