Secret Shopper Scam

September 30, 2008
Contact: Elise Schaffer, PIO Phone: (608) 284-6142 Email: schaffer@co.dane.wi.us
Sheriff's Office

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office is warning citizens of a mail scam occurring in the Dane County area. Potential victims have reported receiving information, which states they have been selected to participate in a paid consumer research program. The mailing includes forms to be completed and returned to “Vision Advertising,” along with a check for nearly $4,000.00 made out to the victim. The letter also states the person will earn an additional $800.00 per week after another three months working as a “secret shopper.” Even though the letter, forms and check look very official, the check is not real and the forms are devised to collect your personal information most likely to be used in identity theft practices. The Dane County Sheriff’s Office advises people to never give out personal information to a person or business that has contacted you. The old saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”, is a rule that holds true in this situation. If you do receive this mailing, detectives suggest you do not respond and simply discard it. ###