“Secret Shopper” Scam – No Such Thing:

In the last week Saanich Police have investigated a couple cases involving “secret shopper scams” that unassuming Saanich residents got caught up in.

In both cases the Saanich residents responded to job offers that were posted on “Used Victoria” and “Craigslist”. The job offer was for a secret shopper who would be paid $150.00 to cash a money order at a Western Union outlet.

The scam goes something like this:

A person responds to a job offer posted online by, in this case, a Kevin McGovern at shopforwork@gmail.com. You apply for the job by e-mail. You get accepted. You then receive a lengthy set of instructions for your first “assignment”. Your assignment includes being sent a $3500.00 money order, instructions to cash it, keep $150.00 as your fee, attend a Western Union outlet and purchase a money order for $3,350.00 (difference). Your instructions tell you to send that money order to Tracy Nicholson, Thomasville, North Carolina, 27360. When you purchase the new money order and send it – you are to include a report on customer service based on your contact with the employee who helps you with the new money order. You are to do all of this within 24 hours of cashing the original money order.

Police intercepted three of these bogus money orders with the help of a local courier. The intended recipients lived on Gladstone Ave, Lovat Ave, and Searidge Ave.

Saanich Police Financial Crimes Section detectives are releasing the information to the media with the hopes of preventing anyone from falling victim to this scam. “It is another scam and it is a classic” too good to be true” offer - $150.00 for doing so little”, said Sgt John Price, Public Information Officer. “Parents, family and friends need to be aware of this scam and all of the other scams out there – share the information with your loved ones”.

(08-23401)