Mystery Shopper Scam :: PineCone Research

from: PineCone Research <[email protected]>
reply-to: [email protected]
to: Recipients <[email protected]>
date: 13 October 2014 16:09
subject: Customer Insights Survey

Dear Prospective Shopper,

We are currently accepting limited number of applications from
competent shoppers to evaluate Walmart's services and programs, both
in-store and on their Website.

Job Description & Responsibilities;

As our shopper posing as normal customers, you will be required to
visit the nearest outlet near you to perform specific tasks such as
purchasing a product or using a service.


Funds will be provided in form of a Certified Check to cover the
expenses of evaluating the outlet.


While there, you will secretly evaluate things like customer service,
store cleanliness and quality of service rendered.


Upon completion of the survey you're to simply send us an E-mail with
your rating of the store.

Payment Terms;

You will receive a flat sum of $200.00 per assignment. It's fun and
rewarding. There is no charge to become a volunteer and You do not
require any special skills for this opening.

Application Procedure;

We would like you to participate because it's Fun & Rewarding, please
fill out the Application below as we hope to Welcome You to PineCone
Research;

Names:
Street Address:
Apt/Suite/Other:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Age:
Home Phone:
Cell/Mobile Phone:
Email:


We're dedicated to providing our customers the best services possible,
and you can help!



Thank you

Previous scam here. viewtopic.php?f=34&t=80776

Also note from the real Company:

Important Security Notice:

We have been made aware that third parties may be attempting to use the names and logos of Pinecone Research for different "scams." One example of such a scam is a "mystery shopping" assignment. Essentially, the victim is provided a fake check and advised to cash it, and then use some of the proceeds to test a service (for example, testing a Western Union wire transfer). The victim is advised that he or she may retain the balance from the cashed check as payment, however, the check later bounces. Other examples include recruiting for "business evaluation surveys" or "hiring" employees.

Please be aware that Pinecone Research has no involvement in these fraudulent transactions. Participating in our surveys is always free of charge, and we never ask our panelists to cash a check for a large amount and then use the proceeds to “test” a service. Furthermore, all communications with us will always be with the email address "[email protected]” -- be wary of any email that asks you to respond to a different address, or asks you to respond by clicking on a link within the email. (Please be aware that email sending addresses can be faked, and so it's possible for a fake email to appear to have come from this address.)

If you are targeted by any of these scams, please report any information regarding these activities to local law enforcement agencies, as well as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) "econsumer.gov" reporting system (https://econsumer.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/) in the United States or the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre (http://www.phonebusters.com/) in Canada.