Mystery shopper scam

POLICE are warning members of the public to be on the alert following reports of a financial scam operating in the Ballymena area.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Jul 2010, 11:08 BST
Updated 5th Jul 2010, 12:23 BST

The scam involves people replying to advertisements placed in newspapers to recruit individuals for jobs as 'mystery shoppers'.

One local woman who replied to an advertisement was sent a cheque for 3,528. She was told to lodge the cheque, keep 100, and return the balance by Western Union. The woman retained the cheque and contacted police.

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A PSNI spokesman said there is no suggestion that the newspaper was aware of the fraud.

"Those behind this fraud are counting on the naivety of people who reply to these advertisements,” the spokesman said.

"In similar cases, the cheques have proved to be stolen or forged. If this woman had complied with the instructions, she would have lost 3,528 of her own money,” he added.

Police are advising anyone who has replied to similar ads to avoid exchanging any personal or financial details, and to contact local police on 0845 600 8000.

Alternatively information about crime can be passed anonymously via the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111.

Related topics:BallymenaPolicePSNI