14 DAY TRIAL // Internet users should beware of Western Union mystery shopper job offers. Fraudsters are sending out emails offering such positions in an effort to trick unsuspecting individuals into becoming money mules.
As experts often highlight, it’s not difficult for cybercriminals to steal personal and financial information. The more difficult part is turning it into profit.
This process usually requires money mules, willing or unwitting individuals that receive stolen money and forward it, minus their commission, to the crooks.
Hoax Slayer has come across a spam campaign that relies on the reputation of Western Union to make everything more legitimate-looking.
The scam emails read something like this:
“We are currently accepting limited number of applications from competent shoppers to evaluate Western Union's services and programs, both in-store and on their Website. Job Description & Responsibilities;
(1) 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. (2) Funds will be provided in form of a Certified Check to cover the expenses of evaluating the outlet. $500/per assignment. (3) While there, you will secretly evaluate things like customer service, store cleanliness and quality of service rendered. (4) Upon completion of the survey you're to simply send us an E-mail with your rating of the store.
You will receive a flat sum of $500.00 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. 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.”
Answering to such a job ad can land you in a whole lot of trouble. You will get paid and you might not even realize that you’re part of a fraud scheme. However, when law enforcement cracks down on the operation, you’ll be the first one they visit.
If you're a victim of this scam and you've already received and forwarded money, the best thing to do is contact police and let them know.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This is probably the best advice you can follow if you want to avoid falling victim to scammers.