RCMP are advising residents to be vigilant when responding to advertisements to become a mystery shopper.
Recently there has been a marked increase of reported incidents whereby several citizens have been defrauded of cash as a result of the Mystery Shopper type scam.
Recent reported incidents begin with the victim applying over the internet to become a mystery shopper.
The victim is then issued a cheque for $1,950.00 they receive in the mail. Instructions are to cash the cheque, use some of the funds to make a purchase, usually between $30 to $100.
The victim is then told to keep approximately $300 and forward the remainder of the amount to a third party, usually in a foreign country.
The cheques are counterfeit and if the recipient participates they become liable for the entire amount of the initial cheque.
RCMP are warning citizens not to cash any cheques that are received unsolicited and to never send money electronically to strangers.
If you suspect that you may be a target of fraud, or if you have already sent funds, don’t be embarrassed - you’re not alone.
If you want to report a fraud, or if you need more information, contact The Canadian Anti- Fraud Centre at:
• Toll Free: 1-888-495-8501
• Toll Free Fax: 1-888-654-9426
• Email: info@antifraudcentre.ca
You can also access this alert from our web page: http://www.ruralcrimewatch.com/index.php?pagedisp=hoax&zone=79