Secret Shoppers
Ripoff Cashier's Check Fraud

The company called me to tell me that they saw my resume online, and they offered me a job with Secret Shoppers. They are looking for people in my area. Someone would contact me with more information. No one did, so I let it go. But on February 6th, 2006, I received a letter in the mail, with no return address, and opened it.

It said, Congratulations! With reference to our earlier conversation, I am pleased to inform you that you have been selected to become one of our representatives in your region.'...and on and on.

The instructions are: Cash the $3, 715 cashier's check at your bank, make a Money Gram for $3, 250 to 'Jack Ratzlaff', a relative of yours in Nova Scotia, Canada. Then, pay the $115 Service Charge for the Money gram, and the remainder of the Cashier's check is $350, that's suppose to be my wage for the job.

I called the Phone Number listed to verify if I needed a complete address, and was told that I don't. I spoke to Jim Richardson, and told him that I was surprised that I have a relative in Canada. (He said, "you really don't, its' just part of the job.") Ok. So He told me that I can use any place that does Money Grams, it wouldn't have to be at the Walmart.
I did per the instructions. I was excited to have a job! And was done in 2-hours.

7-days later, today, 2/14/2006, my bank called to tell me that the Cashier's check was a fraud. No money in it, so I owe the Bank $3, 715. I do have that in my Savings Account, but I'm suppose to live on that money. Now, I'm broke.

I've been scammed before by company's trying to get my money, or trying to sell me things. So, I've learned to keep my wits about me. Especially, after getting hurt by my Mortgage Company, I've been especially careful.

I went to the bank and got the cashier's check back, then went to the Police. Because it was in Canada, they can't do anything. And the only signature is my own; there's not even a signature on the job letter. The police officer said I could sue my Bank for cashing the check, but I don't feel that's right either. It looks like a real check. It even has the phone Number to call on the check to verify the check. I called it, and its disconnected.

Company: Secret Shoppers
Country: Canada
Province: Nova Scotia
City: Winnipeg
Address: 387 Broadway
Phone: 2049512585

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