I received at letter in the mail stating that I had been selected to participate in a Consumer Research Program as a "Mystery Shopper". They stated that it was a fully paid program and would become a permanent part-time position. It stated that my salary will be increased to $600 per week for the first 3 month, with a incremental increase to $750 after another 3 month.
Enclosed was a check drawn on Citibank - New York, NY. However, the check was not from Frontline Consumer Research Group, but it was from "The Orchard Enterprises Inc., 100 Park Ave., New York, NY. 10017.
When I "Googled" Frontline Consumer Research Group" I got the "complaint". When I "Googled" "The Orchard Enterprises Inc." it is the largest distributor of independent music in the world. I don't understand how the two of them are connected? The letter gives the breakdown of how the enclosed check for $3975.00 is to be spent; it is as follows:
1.3 hours probationary training pay @ the rate of $100.00 per hour 300.00
2. Funds for shopping or Hotel Lodging 200.00
3. Service Charge by Western Union/Moneygram 175.00
4. Required funds to be send via Western Union 3,300.00
Total: $3,975.00
I contacted my banker, he said that if you deposited the check, and had to write a personal check to pay for the Western Union funds, it is very possible for the "Frontline" check to be returned, and then you would be responsible for covering the personal check that you wrote to Western Union. So they would end up with your $3,300. I believe this is a check cashing scam. I have contacted the BBB, and plan to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. I checked the the MSPA (Mystery Shpping Providers Association), and Frontline Consumer Research Group is not listed as a member company. MSPA had over 180 companies listed, and most of them were members of the Better Business Bureau.
We have to put a stop on this company from targeting people with counterfeit check scams.
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