Consumer Research Group - CRG2000
Fraudulent Check

My boyfriend received a check in the mail in the amount of $4, 775.00. It was drawn off of Wells Fargo Bank so we thought it was a valid check. The first indication that this was sketchy is that the envelope the check was mailed in was post-marked from Canada, but the company was based in Colorado. The letter that was enclosed stated that the company selected (name) to participate in a Secret Shopper program in which the funds from the check would need to be spent in a specific way. There were several companies listed on a checklist such as Burger King, Western Union, Money Gram, and Wal-Mart. For each company we would have to spend the designated amount and upon completion, he would keep $400.00 as a stipend, and fax the receipts and checklist to the rep that sent the check. With the letter was also a number where you can verify funds; which we called, and the rep told us that the funds were available.

We called Wells Fargo to verify the funds on the check and they had no record of the acct #. They said it was best not to cash the check.

If you get a check from this company, destroy it. Upon further research, Mystery/Secret Shopper companies pay a minimal amt to their employees, and normally they reimburse employees for funds that are spent doing the work. You should never have to send money back or wire money because days letter, the check will be returned and you'll be responsible.

Company: Consumer Research Group - CRG2000
Country: Canada
City: Ontario

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