I received a letter in the mail that said I had been selected to become a representative in my region to participate in a marketing research project to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of a payment system called 'MoneyGram' at my local Wal-Mart. The letter was signed, Sincerely, Samantha Walters, and the content of the letter also listed a phone number to call when you receive this letter (and check). The listed number is 1-716-240-6694.
The letter offered to pay me $300.00 to send $3500.00 via a MoneyGram to a person in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Canada. The letter included a cashier's check for $3880.00 (allowing for an $80.00 MoneyGram charge). The idea was for me to deposit the check into my bank, send the MoneyGram and keep the $300.00 for evaluation participation pay.
I had not heard of the scam, but as it sounded too good to be true, I decided to research it on the internet, where I found this website, with another person who received a similar letter and check. I had also called Huntington Bank to confirm that the check was no good. The check looks legitimate enough. When the check is returned as fraudulent, your account will then be debited the amount that had been originally deposited.
I did not participate in this scam, and instead I plan to contact the post office mail fraud division, Wal-Mart and the FBI, since Mail Fraud is a federal offense.
Under any circumstances, DO NOT CASH THIS CHECK or you could be be facing charges yourself.
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