View Full Version : Real or scam
perfectpaws
Jun 8, 2007, 02:14 PM
Need to find out if a business called Bunge Evaluation and Marketing Services is real or scam. It employs secret shoppers. The have sent me a check for 3,160. For training purposes and purchases. I applied a very long time ago to a secret shopper, but it has been so long ago that I can't remember to what organization. When I called the number provided the machine said they were in staff meetings all day and to call back Monday. How do I find out if this company is real. And there is now web address for them.
NowWhat
Jun 8, 2007, 02:22 PM
Go to the better business bureau. They can tell you more. You can check them out online.
So, they just sent you a check for that much money and you haven't done anything yet?
Sounds like a scam to me.
Rina _4
Jun 8, 2007, 02:42 PM
Deposit the check and see if it clears first and do some research on the internet.
They are not listed with the Better Business Bureau, they have no web site and the staff is out in meetings all day?
If a company can not afford to have a secretary to answer the phone but can afford to send you a check for 3,160?
I would think it's definitely is a scam.
Good luck.
NowWhat
Jun 8, 2007, 10:53 PM
You know you could call the bank that the check was drafted from. See if funds are available.
When you sign the check though - make sure it doesn't give them access to your account.
AKaeTrue
Jun 8, 2007, 11:32 PM
You know what, I would say that this is probably a scam.
Here are 2 quotes from two sites I pulled up.
You can learn more about them by clicking on them.
The company sends an employment packet. The packet includes business evaluation forms, a training assignment, and a cashier's check, often ranging between $2,000 and $4,000. The training assignment is to cash the check, pose as a customer, and wire the money to an address in Canada. The scam is that the check is fake. The check bounces after the person wires the money, leaving the person liable for the fake check. (http://phoenix.about.com/od/scam1/a/mysteryshop.htm)
Counterfeit or fake checks are being used in a growing number of fraudulent schemes, including foreign lottery scams (as described above), check overpayment scams, Internet auction scams, and secret shopper scams. (http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre40.shtm)
AKaeTrue
Jun 8, 2007, 11:35 PM
Seriously, I was scammed once. Don't let it happen to you!
Fr_Chuck
Jun 9, 2007, 03:02 AM
I have in the past did work for a few of the real secret shoppers, and I can tell you they do not send large checks out and when then do send checks out there is work already done. Normally what you do is either send receipts for the purchase you have made * on meals, but on most items, clothes, CD's and the such part of the process is to buy and go back in about one hour and return the product, so you have no cost.
And you will find that a "fake" check takes longer to clear and at times written on good back account numbers, so check appears to have cleared, then it is diputed and the check is returned and your account charged backed.
You can make some money as a secret shopper ( I would assume there are more jobs in larger areas) I get about 5 to 15 dollars for each one I do, as long as all the paperwork is done right,
CJONES6045
Jun 15, 2007, 12:34 PM
Need to find out if a business called Bunge Evaluation and Marketing Services is real or scam. It employs secret shoppers. The have sent me a check for 3,160. for training purposes and purchases. I applied a very long time ago to a secret shopper, but it has been so long ago that I can't remember to what organization. When I called the number provided the machine said they were in staff meetings all day and to call back Monday. How do I find out if this company is real. And there is now web adress for them.
Hello I have received a check for $3,160 for traing purposes and pay I deposited the check and the check was returned to my bank stating REFER TO MAKER
Fr_Chuck
Jun 15, 2007, 07:11 PM
Yes, you got a bad check, so as long as you did not spend any of the money, you learned a good lesson.
shygrneyzs
Jun 15, 2007, 07:15 PM
I am a secret shopper and I have never gotten a big check for my services. I get sent to a store to buy a specific item, purchase it and send the receipt plus an evaluation. In return, I get reimbursed for my expenses plus a gift certificate. Usually.
As everyone has said, there is a scam going on.
AKaeTrue
Jun 15, 2007, 07:17 PM
When a check is deposited/returned like that, is there anyway the sender
Can get the account information?
Comaria1
Jul 3, 2012, 02:01 AM
Yes it is a fake. A police officer told me that the person who sent me a check is trying to get access to my bank account. If you cash the check, you will owe the bank the money. It would be a loan but if you send it to someone else, you will still be responsible for paying it back. In the process the people who sent it will get vital information on where your bank is located and who you are. An electronical number will tip off the sender on how to access your bank account some kind of way so, don't do it.