Two local people lose thousands in secret shopper cheque scam

By Patricia Harcourt
Editor

Tofield RCMP are warning the public not to fall for a mystery shopper scam that is circulating in the area. Two residents from local towns have fallen for such a scam and are now out $4,000 each, said Sgt. Jim Warren.

Someone either answers an ad or other form of contact asking for mystery shoppers to help evaluate a client’s businesses. The person is sent a so-called employment packet containing a cheque that is to be deposited in the person’s personal chequing account.

In the local cases, Warren said the cheques were in excess of $4,000. The person is to keep a small part of the funds as a fee for themselves and, posing as a customer, then send the rest via Western Union to Arizona. This is done supposedly in order to evaluate the money transfer system.

A local person each from Tofield and Ryley were provided a cheque in the name of the Katz Group of Mississauga, Ont. to deposit in the bank.

For more see the Jan. 24/12 issue of the Tofield Mercury