Description

Scammer posted into indeed a secret shopper position. A couple days after replying, I began to receive emails and texts to see if I qualify for the position and was advised a packet with my task would be in the mail. I received an envelope 1st class mail with a letter detailing my tasks, which was to take a check that was sent with the letter and deposit into my account. It stated I would keep $400 as my payment for the task and go into stores like CVS, Target, etc. and evaluate the customer service of the workers. Also, I was to purchase gift cards and advise if they were in an easy to find location and if anyone assisted me evaluate them. After I would purchase gift cards I would text that I was done and include the numbers from the gift cards. If I did this within 48hrs I would receive $60 bonus. I deposited and my bank said it would take time to clear. I kept in contact with "Luis Holmes" to let him know the check was processing. He was sure it wouldn't take as long as my bank said and just asked that I keep him posted and don't worry. After about 3 days and notifications about processing from my bank it was my regular payday so I went to withdraw from my account my direct deposit. I was alerted that I couldn't withdraw my normal paycheck and called my bank. My bank advised they had discontinued business with me due to a fraudulent check being deposited into my account, which has never happened with my direct deposit from my fulltime job. So not only was this check fraudulent from Comfort Survey Services, but I now had to wait for my paycheck to be sent via mail and find a new bank for future direct deposits. My bank would not even hear me out when I asked to submit proof that I was unaware of this being a scam. I have texts, emails, and a hard copy of the task, but the bank wouldn't accept any of it. I text "Luis Holmes" to advise this was disgraceful and heard nothing back of course. About a week later my daughter received the same 1st class mail. On the package it says "Frugal Doctor", but the letter is signed by "Luis Holmes form Comfort Surveys" and the check is from like a dealership or something. Did not think any of this was a problem at the time because I was just trying to make some extra cash for the upcoming holidays and my 3 kids birthdays are all between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Very sad situation.