Polarbay Analytics Inc

Victim Location 89502

Type of a scam Employment

I received 3 money orders for $900 each and an instruction sheet telling me to deposit them into my account, text a number that they’ve been deposited, then go to a “local” Apple store and purchase $2400 worth of gift cards. Evaluate the store and text a picture of the cards to the number provided. My “wage” of $300 is included in the money orders and then next time I’d get an additional $200 bonus for completing the survey quickly.

Victim Location 68131

Type of a scam Employment

I received an email in my university email account saying there was a Mystery Shopping job available. The email came from someone who claimed to work in “Job Placement and Student Services” so I clicked on the attachment. The form had the “Career Builder” logo and copyright on it so at this point it still seems pretty legit. I applied and a couple weeks later recieved an email stating I was accepted. I followed the instructions and varified my information so they could send me my mystery shopping instructions and budget.

I recieved it in the mail today and that’s when I started really looking into things. They want you to deposit a check from CoVantage Credit Union for $1800, go to Apple and buy a $1500 gift card, and then you keep the $300 for your pay.

Here’s the part where they scam you- they want you to send a picture of your purchase receipts and a picture of the gift card with the protection thing scratched OFF. They then say you’ll receive info about where to send the survey and gift card.

The letter they sent is from a “Dave Ewers” but the package they sent (Priority Mail) is from a James Macmillan in NY. Also, the check has RE: SALMA BLEDSOE in the bottom.

Victim Location 68127

Type of a scam Employment

Received two emails from university I am enrolled at, from two different people, stating a secret shopper job opportunity and a link to apply online. Contacted by scammer from email and text message after providing basic information. Said they would ship out a welcome packet and walk you through your first assignment. Check enclosed in packet for $1500 with instructions to buy a $1200 gift card from apple store and keep $300 for assignment payment. Check did not have watermarks and the heat sensitive shield would not fade to touch. Additionally instructions were received to deposit check into bank account as cashing was not an option. Instructed to purchase gift card and send a picture of the receipt and the scratch off code on the gift card. Saw the red flags through the whole process and glad I caught on early enough to avoid the full negative effects of the scam.

Victim Location 03052

Type of a scam Employment

I received an email from my college employment office where I was enrolled. The email described a "legitimate" mystery shopping opportunity. I sent my name and address thinking if it came fro my school it was probably legitimate. The email I received was different from the college recipient bug I thought it was because it was through a referral. I gave them my email and mailing address. Then a few weeks later I received a certified check for $2,500 from Hughes Federal Credit Union. I was asked to go to an APPLE store to purchase 2 gift cards for $1,100 each. I was to keep the remaining $300 as a fee. I was asked to text a picture of the receipt and the scratched/peeled off store gift cards. That is a huge red flag. If I give them the scratched/peeled off gift card codes they can use them and the check bounces and I am out $2200! The Priority Mailed envelop had a different office name and address than the letter head of the letter in side. Here are all the names used: Polarbay Analytics Inc, 362 W 52nd St., NYC, New York (no zip code),

[email protected]

Impact Analysis (on the envelope), Dave Ewers, MBA – Survey Co-ordinator 323/840-1332 IMpact ANalysis 21 Overman Pl New Rochelle NY, 10801-1413

Victim Location 28215

Type of a scam Employment

I received an email from the my college office where I graduated from. The email described a "legitimate" mystery shopping opportunity. I forwaded the email to my son thinking it would be a good idea for him. He completed the required credentials on the Career Builder website. My son later received an email from a Dave Ewers stating he was approved to be a mystery shopper. A week later he received a certified check for $1,500 from Hughes Federal Credit Union along with a letter and detail instructions. He was asked to go to an APPLE store to purchase a gift card for $1,200 and the remaining $300 was his compensation. The letter stated to text a picture of the receipt and the scratched/peeled off store gift card. It was so many red flags in the letter received with the check. I’m thankful someone already reported this scam to the BBB. The letter and check was mailed in a Priority Mailed envelop from George Williams George Williams (yes the name was listed twice) 3822 Dabney St Houston TX 77026. had a different office name and address than the letter head of the letter in side. There was no address in the letter. The letter had: Polarbay Analytics Inc Actionable Intelligence Delivery Impact Analysis Dave Ewers, MBA – Survey Co-ordinator 323-840-1332.