Important warning:  Do not cash checks or money orders received in the mail from unknown parties soliciting you for mystery shopping assignments. This solicitation is associated with an ongoing e-mail and mail fraud scheme and can leave you liable for thousands of dollars. 

In this fraud scheme, a victim receives a check in the mail and is promised a portion of the funds for completing a mystery shopping assignment.  The recipient is directed to deposit the check at his/her bank and then to quickly send funds to the perpetrators of the fraud scheme via MoneyGram¹. The sending of the funds is disguised as a mystery shopping assignment to evaluate the customer service of MoneyGram or that of one of the other legitimate retailers whose names are misused by this scam.

While the deposited check may initially be accepted for deposit by a bank, the check will soon be determined to be counterfeit when presented to the bank on which it was drawn.  The check will then be returned for insufficient funds and the victim’s bank holds the depositor liable for funds advanced against the check.

This fraud scheme is currently being perpetrated through the unauthorized use of Service Intelligence’s name as well as that of Service Intelligence’s parent company, Global Compliance.  Additionally, the use of MoneyGram’s name and a number of high-profile retailers and banks in conjunction with this scam is unauthorized. 

Please be vigilant in detecting this fraud so that you and other innocent parties do not become  victims. If you receive such a solicitation, do not engage with the schemers and do not attempt to cash the check.  MoneyGram International has also posted a consumer protection warning specific to this fraud scheme on their website. 

Service Intelligence continues to work with federal authorities across the United States and Canada to bring those responsible for this fraud scheme to justice.  If you believe you have been a target of this crime, please report it to your local police, the FBI, United States Postal Service, and the Federal Trade Commission.  In Canada, reports should be made to the local police, Canada Post, and the RCMP. 

As a leading provider of mystery shopping services for some of the world’s most recognized brands, Service Intelligence does not solicit mystery shoppers by mail or e-mail.  Further, Service Intelligence does not charge mystery shoppers an application or training fee.  Finally, Service Intelligence does not pay its mystery shoppers by check, nor is payment rendered in advance of work.

Mystery Shopping Providers Association Warns Consumers: Beware of Holiday Check-Cashing Scams Click to read

Those wishing to legitimately apply for certification as a Service Intelligence mystery shopper may do so at www.experienceexchange.com via a link located on the top right of our site.