Optimal Mystery Shoppers

Victim Location 97217

Type of a scam Fake Check/Money Order

I’m currently unemployed and looking for work. I vaguely recall apply for a "secret shopper" job back in June. At this time, I can not recall the job site. Forgot about it. Then I began receiving text messages from different numbers ( a few I deleted). But kept the two below messages:

1) Monday, June 24, 2019 at 12:05 PST from 833-361-4973, with this message:

"Welcome to our team of customer service analysts. Your first task will be delivered in 7 days at your address. Kindly send UNDERTAKEN as an acknowledgment."

2) Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 7:28am PST from 855-973-4146, with this message:

"Service Quality/Secret Shopper Agent Application has been reviewed and authorized. Kindly acknowledged receipt of this email by sending Offer Received"

On Friday, June 28, I received a Priority Mail 2-day package from ACME MANUFACTURING INC, 90099 Prairie Rd, Eugene, OR 97402-9601, from a Wayne A Van Damme. Enclosed were two documents:

1) A letter from "Optimal Mystery Shoppers" stating "Assignment Location: Any Walmart Store". Please see example attached.

2) Enclosed with a check from Synovus Bank, for $2,450, Check# 1000189329, Remitter: Laclanda Rhodes (with authorized signature from a C. Gray), Payable through Synovus Bank, Columbus, GA. For: "Personal". Please Note: I have a copy of check, but only able to upload one document.

After doing a brief Google Search, I learned Optimal Mystery Shoppers had several complaint /scam alerts. I too received a Walmart Shopping assignment + $2450 check in the mail to deposit into my personal account; keep $200 and send the rest back the company.

I hope this helps to warn others.

Victim Location 75077

Type of a scam Employment

They contacted me through my school email and made it look like a side job that pays good. I’ve never gotten any spam in my inbox to my school email so I figured this was legit. There was a link that took me to another pngage. I filled out information phone number, alternate email, address etc… A week later I received a priority mail 2-day USPS envelope with instructions and a check in it. The instructions basically said deposit this into your bank account give a text of confirmation and more instructions will follow. The check was for 1,980. Everything didn’t seem right so I looked it up before blindly depositing this check into my account and found out this is a scam.

Victim Location 66213

Type of a scam Fake Check/Money Order

Supposed WalMart mystery shopper sending you fake check for $2,450 and you keep $200 for your salary. They use text to get your info so they can steal your information and money. Letter uses contact person of Charles Benson

Victim Location 53081

Type of a scam Fake Check/Money Order

I really don’t remember applying for this particular company to work as a Mystery Shopper.

I come home and receive a "Priority Mail" envelope with my first and last name and address list on the label. I opened the envelope and there was a Typed Letter and Check addressed to me. I read the letter and studied the "Cashier’s" check. The letter kept addressing me to text and follow each step carefully to a cell phone number. I googled the website; which look so legit. I also googled the bank name and found a phone number to call. I was able to speak with a Representative and she asked for the check number and my first and last name. I was put on hold for about 2 minutes and she confirmed that the "Cashiers" check was VOID. I thanked her and I was able to report the scam immediately to BBB.org.

I did not jump in my car and attempted to cash the false check. STOP, READ & STUDY and CALL for help and additional information. Be smart; do your research first!

Victim Location 59432

Type of a scam Employment

Asking me to deposit a check for 2,450 to shop at any Walmart. And deduct $200 for my work.

They ask to stand by for detailed instructions. But you have to deposit a FAKE check first. Do not deposit it as it is fake.

Victim Location 97006

Type of a scam Fake Check/Money Order

Mystery shopper company that Cold Messaged me on LinkedIn. Upon applying, I found I was offered the job but without ever accepting I was mailed a check for a few thousand dollars and asked to deposit it within 24 hours and compete my job. This seems to follow the frequent scam method i read about have to wire back the difference only to find the initial check bounces.