Forum Research

Krystle –

Victim Location 14649

Type of a scam Fake Check/Money Order

Scammer hacked LinkedIn account and sent private messages. Link sent to a personal shopper ad with link to application. Claims to be Forum Research, but is a fake website built on WordPress. “Scott Butts” sent an email confirming application and requested confirmation of interest. Did not respond to email, but received cashier’s check via USPS a few days later. Did not cash. Received second email and text from “Scott Butts” with first assignment. Did not proceed.

Derek –

Victim Location 14580

Type of a scam Employment

I received a message on LinkedIn from a previous coworker regarding a mystery shopper opportunity. I applied for the employment but did not provide any PII. I became suspicious and googled the business name and sent them an email. They responded by saying it is a scam.

Here is the email I received: I assume they use the gift cards on line even though the shopper would have the actual cards in hand.

This is to notify you that the payment for your first survey assignment will deliver today or tomorrow. Its a check of $***its covers your $*** pay and the rest will be used for your assignments. Please proceed to have the check deposited once it deliver and keep me posted once that has been done.

Assignment 1

1. Proceed to a nearby Gap store or any clothing store and purchase anything with $**,the purchase item will be kept by you because it is yours.

2. Attached to this email is a customer feedback form which you are required to fill out and email back to us.

3. Deduct $*** as your weekly commission,your logistics and gift cards charges fee.

4. Purchase 5 Walmart gift cards.

Note: Walmart gift card can be purchased with cash or with your debit or credit card.

Attached to this email is a sample of the Walmart gift card required,it also comes in different designs,pictures and colors,so you can purchase any design. Go to the register and add cash of $*** to each card. 5 x $*** = $***

The cards will be used to fund further projects/research, eliminating the need to post you checks for future assignments.

After purchase of the cards,

"Walmart gift card" Open the pack, remove the label in front of the cards and kindly peel or gently scratch the silver panel a the back of the cards and then send the pictures of the scratch cards and email to us. (Phone camera accepted)

The cards can be purchased from most convenience stores and gas station. Below are the nearest location

Walmart gift Card Available at: Walmart• CvsPharmacy • Walgreens • RiteAid • 7Eleven • DollarGeneral • FamilyDollar OfficeDepot • AAFES • Circle K • Village Pantry • Sheetz • Save Mart • Food City • Associated Food Stores

In rare cases where non of the cards are available in your location, kindly inform us in other to give you alternatives.

Once the payment has been received, proceed to get the assignment done at your earliest and revert back to us with the feedback form and images of Walmart gift cards for verification.

Completing assignment fast earns you reward to receive more assignments promptly. I want you to know that Completing assignment and sending in the report as soon as funds are available in your account earns you 30% payment increase on your next assignments.

A confirmatory of the receipt of this email will be appreciated as we anticipate your prompt response, have a wonderful day.

Thanks,

Scott Butts

Recruiting Department

Forum Research Inc®

Forum Research

Lance –

Victim Location 19021

Type of a scam Employment

I was contacted to be a secret shopper and a check was sent to me to purchase something at the Gap then make 4 other gift card purchases with the rest of the money. $2850 was the amount of the Bank of America Check. I called bank of America and they told me the check was already paid which means it was a fraudulent check.

Carolyn –

Victim Location 94507

Type of a scam Employment

It was a mystery shopper research study where they said you get $300 to go to local stores and fill out a questionnaire. Then they sent a cashiers check for almost $3,000 asking me to cash it and buy 25 $100 Apple gift cards. They texted me and I told them it’s a scam and I’m reporting them to the police today.

Steven –

Victim Location 08052

Type of a scam Fake Check/Money Order

I filled out an application to become a mystery shopper. I received a check via USPS for $2,850. I was instructed by email to deposit the check, purchase $2,000 worth of iTunes gift cards, scratch the pin numbers off the cards and send "clear" photos of the pin numbers to the company. I had the check examined by a bank manager before depositing it. The check was totally FAKE and not deposited.

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