Police investigate mystery shopper scam

Yet another scam was reported over the weekend.
Skye D. Azua, 20, Shelbyville, told Field Training Officer Shawn Bennett she took part in a “mystery shopper” program via the Internet. She had received a check from Chase in the amount of $7,500. The check came with a list of instructions about what to do with the money once she cashed it: she was to send the money to two different locations in China.
When Azua took the check to the bank, she was informed it was a fake. She called the phone number that came with the check and spoke to someone named Craig Beam. Azua told him the check was a fake and that she was calling the police, and Beam hung up.
Mystery shoppers are employed by businesses who want to know about their customers’ shopping experiences. They are paid to ask questions about products, make purchases and return merchandise just like regular customers do—but they also take note of cleanliness, service and other issues and report back.
Some mystery shopping programs are legitimate; many organizations and businesses, and even the government, might use be involved with the Mystery Shopping Providers Program, which uses an approval process and ethical standards.
ScamBusters.com says any company making outrageous claims about earning potential or asking you to pay a fee to participate is a scam. And, the site warns: never cash a check and send cash to someone. Avoid overpayment schemes like the one Azua reported by never agreeing to handle financial transactions, including those involving money orders, for someone you do not know.