Information and Alerts

Alert

BBB has received scam tracker reports of a secret shopper scheme involving counterfeit checks targeting Sinclair Customer Metrics. According to Sinclair Customer Metrics, business information including name, address, phone number, etc., is being used in a solicitation sent via mail to consumers nationwide. In some cases, the solicitation uses real company employees’ name in an attempt to add validity to the offer. Consumers are instructed to go to any local Western Union location to complete the secret shopping opportunity. Consumers are then directed to cash the counterfeit check included in the original package to fund various wire transfers to undisclosed destinations, often international. Any remaining funds are to be kept by the consumer as ‘payment’ for their secret shopping opportunity.

BBB confirmed with Sinclair Customer Metrics in 2014 that they are not affiliated in any way with this secret shopping scheme targeting consumers in an effort to entice them to cash counterfeit checks. If you receive a suspicious item in the mail which includes a check, please be cautious as the check is likely counterfeit. Cashing such checks will result in the consumer being held financially responsible to cover any returned check fees, overdraft fees, etc. with local financial institutions and Western Union.