Old scam with a new twist; 'This too can happen to you'
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YAKIMA, Wash. -- KIMA has a scam alert. It's an old scheme with a new angle.
Action News learned con artists are offering you a job as a mystery shopper and then taking your money. We spoke with one woman who now owes thousands of dollars.
When Vickey Harrington hurt her leg, she needed a way to make money. When an opportunity to get paid as a mystery shopper came in the mail, it seemed like a perfect solution.
"Evaluate stores like Macy's and that and they had on the bottom of their letterhead,” said Harrington. “They had logos for major companies."
It seemed legit so she tried it. Her first task was to buy something at Walmart and evaluate the service. She did and got a $100 check in the mail. She cashed it with no problem.
"So, when this check came for $3,550, I was excited to supplement my income,” said Harrington.
Her next so-called job was to evaluate Western Union and Money Gram. Harrington was told to cash the check and send the money but, this time the check bounced.
"Now, I have to pay $3,500 to the bank, plus my medical bills are probably around $4,000," said Harrington. "This too can happen to you. You know, I was very educated on scams, but the desire to supplement my income clouded that."
The Better Business Bureau said this scam spiked recently in the bad economy. The agency has received several complaints in the past few months. We checked with YPD.Police don't have the same complaints, but most victims like Harrington don't file a report.
Any offer that asks for your money is the warning sign of a scam. Whatever you do, don't send any money.
Most banks will not reimburse you if you fall victim to a scam like this. Most banks will not reimburse you if you fall victim to a scam like this.
Action News learned con artists are offering you a job as a mystery shopper and then taking your money. We spoke with one woman who now owes thousands of dollars.
When Vickey Harrington hurt her leg, she needed a way to make money. When an opportunity to get paid as a mystery shopper came in the mail, it seemed like a perfect solution.
"Evaluate stores like Macy's and that and they had on the bottom of their letterhead,” said Harrington. “They had logos for major companies."
It seemed legit so she tried it. Her first task was to buy something at Walmart and evaluate the service. She did and got a $100 check in the mail. She cashed it with no problem.
"So, when this check came for $3,550, I was excited to supplement my income,” said Harrington.
Her next so-called job was to evaluate Western Union and Money Gram. Harrington was told to cash the check and send the money but, this time the check bounced.
"Now, I have to pay $3,500 to the bank, plus my medical bills are probably around $4,000," said Harrington. "This too can happen to you. You know, I was very educated on scams, but the desire to supplement my income clouded that."
The Better Business Bureau said this scam spiked recently in the bad economy. The agency has received several complaints in the past few months. We checked with YPD.Police don't have the same complaints, but most victims like Harrington don't file a report.
Any offer that asks for your money is the warning sign of a scam. Whatever you do, don't send any money.
Most banks will not reimburse you if you fall victim to a scam like this. Most banks will not reimburse you if you fall victim to a scam like this.
