How the scam works:
Looking for ways to make extra money in addition to your day job, you come across a great opportunity online as a mystery shopper. All you have to do is go into a business, use their services, report on the experience - and you will get paid for it!
Signing up, your first paid task is to verify the quality of service at a financial institution, for example, Western Union (how fast they are, customer service, etc). The employer sends you a check for $1,150. Your job is to deposit the money and wire back $1,000. The extra $150 is your payment. Seems easy enough!
Their only stipulation is that you need to do the job as soon as you get the check. You do as you're told, send off the money and email your employer the form detailing your mystery shopping experience.
A few days later, you receive your bank statement and realize your balance is $1,000 less than it should be! What you soon find out is that the $1,150 check your employer sent you bounced. They told you to hurry, knowing that in 5 business days, it would bounce and you'd realize they were running a scam. Now, you're responsible for the money you wired, and if you're in overdraft, you're facing a fee.
How to avoid:
There are plenty of legitimate ways to make money in your spare time. There are plenty of resources online that expose legitament vs bogus companies, so do a bit of research and don't just click on the first ad you see. Always do your research and work only for legitimate employers.
In the meantime, if you are really looking for a job and seek to make some money until you find the next ideal job, there is a couple of options:
Best online jobs/reward programs providers:
If you are into paid surveys, this is the place. GlobalTestMarket is an industry leader in online research panels, where members are invited to participate in online surveys on numerous topics, and in return are eligible for cash or regular and frequent entry into sweepstakes. Highly recommended, as they also have A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. You can register for free HERE.
Swagbucks.com is the largest online rewards portal dedicated to helping customers earn gift cards, electronics, and exclusive merchandise. Swagbucks can be earned by shopping online, taking paid surveys, buying daily deals, completing trial offers, or playing games. The company awarded over $30 Million in prizes including gift cards, electronics and more to users across the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, and Australia. Highly recommended as well. You can register for free HERE.
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