I applied for work through CareerBuilders.com. A few weeks later, I received a letter from Secret Shoppers with an attached Cashier's Check for $3, 430. The letter requested I cash the check and wire $3, 070 to someone in Hamilton, Ontario Ca I called the toll-free number listed on the check, written on Citizens State Bank in Anton, TX, but the phone would answer with "Thank you, good bye" then hang up.
I called the phone number listed in the return address portion of the letter (1-866-466-6198) and got the same response. So I looked up the Citizens State Bank information on the Internet, found the exact bank with a different phone number, and called them. The bank president advised me NOT to cash the check, that it is a fraud, and I could get into real trouble with the law if I cash the check and wire the money out of the country.
With this information in hand, I called the help line on the letter I received. Someone answered and I questioned them about the program. He stated that I must cash the check, then let him know when I've done so, so that he can "release the funds" and then give me information on where to wire the money. I then told him that I called the bank and was told that the check was fraudulent and not to cash it. He said, "That's odd. Let me take your number and have my manager call you right back to get the information. Of course, no one ever did.
So I called him again the next day. The same guy answered. I again asked about the process. He went through the same explanation. I again told him that the bank told me not to cash the check because it's fraudulent. He again said, "That's odd. Let me take your number and have my manager call you right back." I said his manager was supposed to call me back yesterday but never did, and asked him why his "scheme" is being listed on major media as a scam? He hung up the phone.
So I used another phone (cell) and called his other number listed (1-289-892-3201). He again answered. He recognized my voice and said, "Didn't I just talk to you? " I answered, "Yes, and I've just reported you to the Attorney General." He again hung up on me.
DO NOT CASH THE CHECK! You will be liable for the funds and could have fraud charges filed against you by local law enforcement.
0 comments