I received an offer in the mail from Shadow Shopper to be a customer service evaluator. They enclosed a check for $4, 955.00 and told me to call a number (1-705-770-3036) before proceeding to verify the check or the check would be void and/or stolen. I called and talked to Kimberly Griffin and she told me the check would clear in 1 day. The letter that was sent was signed by Scott Nicholson, Human Resource Manager. Before I received this letter, I had applied to nothing from them. I had been on the internet looking around at different mystery shopper websites, but had never applied to any of them.
The letter said that I was to go to Walmart and do a money gram payment to someone in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada by the name of Leticia Jimeninez. The check was broke down as $800 for Professional Training Pay, $3, 975 for funds to be transferred and $180 for service charges/miscellaneous.
I deposited the check into my checking account on Friday, May 9th and did the transaction on Wednesday, May 14th at about 1:55 p.m. With the $3, 975 for the funds sent and the service fee of $79.50, the total came to $4, 054.50. After I did the money transfer, I went out to my car and called Kimberly Griffin from my cell phone. She asked for the reference order number which I gave to her. I was very honest and upfront, not knowing what to do with the rest of the $180 for the service fees since they only charged $79.50 to send the money gram. She told me the rest could be used for gas, phone charges, etc.
On Wednesday, May 21st, I received a notice from my bank stating that the check was returned unpaid and to deduct the amount of this item and any fees from my account balance. The bank charged me a $10.00 fee. They are currently retaining this check at the bank.
They have basically stolen $4, 054.50 from me by a fraudulent act. All I want is the money back that they took. I don't care about the rest of the money. If I have to sue, then I will sue for this amount and all other costs incurred. This is a lot of money to lose. Luckily I had a savings account at another bank that I took the money out of and used that because it was closer to the Walmart store I was going to do this from. I did not take this money from the account I deposited it into, which was my checking account, and therefore would probably have incurred more charges.
Included with the letter and the check, they had a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics listing attached. Within that statement, they said that if you didn't follow their Code of Conduct you could be subject to disciplinary action and possibly be subjected to criminal prosecution. It is the policy of this company to promote a high standard of integrity in an honest and ethical manner. Disregard of the law will not be tolerated. Violation of domestic or foreign laws, rules and regulations may subject an individual, as well as the company, to civil and/or criminal penalties. Embezzlement of company funds will not be tolerated. Under the Employment Act, section 15, mismanagement and embezzlement of entrusted funds for specific assignments will result in immediate termination of employment and appropriate legal action.
I ask, what about disciplinary action and possible criminal prosecution on them for embezzling MY funds? I was honest with them in every way and they took my money. What about civil and criminal penalties against them for fraud?
I have copies of everything, including the check they sent me. I will be in a lot of trouble with my husband if he finds this out. Please advise on what to do. I am totally at a loss and just want to make this right, get my money back and to save this from happening to someone else.
0 comments