"mystery shoppers! Earn up to $150/per day. Get PAID to SHOP. Pt/ft. CALL NOW! 1-888-727-0598."
The above ad was posted in the San Diego Pennysaver on March 10, and like a dummy, I answered it!
"I called the number and was asked a series of questions pertaining to my desire to work with them and make extra money being a secret shopper. After that, the lady on the phone (who identified herself as Arin Fisk, Operator 4080) asked if I would like to continue with the process, and be charged a $1.95 processing fee. I said yes, even though I thought this was a bit odd. After I gave her my credit card number, she then went into a long explanation of many things, including a 'monthly service charge' and a 'free vacation' that I would be entitled to." [from Report: #429213]
Just as in the preceding paragraph, I too was asked a lot of questions, and I was also treated to the same long spiel about all of the "benefits" that I would be receiving. (My "operator" was a guy, "Scott Allen", "Operator 4067"... Hope he sees his name here!!!)
However, I DIDN'T stop the operator and tell them "NO, NO, NO!" and I should have!
I barely had time enough to put away my credit card before the phone rang and I heard those words we all dread: "This is your credit card security dept. Calling. We believe that a "nominal charge" was placed on your card to verify the account prior to it's being used fraudulently, and we will be putting a temporary hold on the card to prevent further use. We would also like to know if you authorized a charge for $3.95 that was charged about 5 minutes ago in ST. KITTS/NEVIS (that's where I got hit from!); if you authorized this charge, please press... If not, please press... GUESS WHICH ONE I PRESSED!
My next call will be back to the support phone number, and they are NOT going to like it! (1-866-920-8009, open M-F, 8 am to 5 pm CST — just missed them!) Guess I will have to add an update tomorrow...
Just like "Veritas"... I really hate this kind of person!!
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