A mystery shopping scam using the name and false (but very legitimate looking) forged check from Winthrop Marketing Group/Winthrop Resources Corp. Of Minnetonka, MN in the amount of $3,485.00.
Instructing "mystery shopper" to deposit check, wait to clear then proceed with 2 assignments. Assignment #1 being the evaluation of any Western Union (RED FLAG!) location by sending $2,840.00 service charge of $135.00 to Sheraun Price London England United Kingdom. Evaluate services, fax market response and proceed with assignment #2. Assignment #2 instructs mystery shopper to shop @ Kmart, GAP, JC Penney, Wal Mart or Sears. Spend $100.00... Fill out and fax market response form to 1-954-206-0175. The remaining $410.00 is your salary for promptly completing both assignments. Once all forms and receipts have been faxed approx. 10 days later the check is returned as refer to payee.
Later I found that the address, name and checks are being used illegitimately by UNKNOWN individual (s) with a phone # that is actually listed in Canada (Sophia) 1-514-663-0245 and now no longer available. The fax # still works, but who knows where it is located. Making Winthrop (which is an actual legitimate co.) also victims. I have spoken to the real Winthrops Jeff Ripperton 953-936-0226 and he advised me that they are aware of the scam, but fortunately (for them) they have not suffered any monetary damages. They also filed a report w / local Minnetonka Police, but say that nothing more will actually happen!
I have filed reports with BBB of Grand Rapids MN, The Office of Minnesota Attorney General, Lori Swanson 800-657-3787, my local Police station, being Carmel Police 845-628-1300 in Mahopac, NY 10541, formal complaint with Western Union 800-325-6000, A report to Minnetonka Police officer, Shelley Peterson @ 952-939-8574, a fraud complaint with my bank 800-935-9935 Chase Manhattan, and the bank on which the check had been drawn, TCF National Bank Ann Arbor MI 48104. NOBODY can do anything!
I am urging any victims to contact me, Jill directly @ so that maybe the more victims that get together the better chance we may have to locate and prosecute these THIEVES!
Jill K. Mahopac, NY
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