Don't fall for mystery shopper scam
The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers of a scam “mystery shopper” scheme that uses a fake Kansas return address. Consumers throughout the U.S. are receiving letters in the mail from P. Less Sinclair Corporation, which claims to be located at an existing business, Peerless Corporation, in Fort Scott. Peerless manufactures doors and windows and has no association with P. Less Sinclair Corporation.
Those who respond to an initial letter are instructed to take a sizeable check, usually between $1,300 and $1,400, and deposit it in their own bank. Then they are to go to a website, enter the supplied identification and password to get a shopping assignment. The consumers are required to wire the money from Western Union to Spain, then scan the receipt and upload it to the website to complete the assignment.
BBB confirms this is not a valid work at home opportunity. Eventually the check bounces and the consumer is left with the responsibility for paying back the bank.
Last modified Aug. 9, 2012