419 scam: Secret Shopper® <secretshopper@live.com> SECRET SHOPPER NEEDED URGENTLY!

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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

The so-called "419" scam is a type of fraud dominated by criminals from Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Victims of the scam are promised a large amount of money, such as a lottery prize, inheritance, money sitting in some bank account, etc.

Victims never receive this non-existent fortune but are tricked into sending their money to the criminals, who remain anonymous. They hide their real identity and location by using fake names and fake postal addresses as well as communicating via anonymous free email accounts and mobile phones.

Keep in mind that scammers DO NOT use their real names when defrauding people.
The criminals either abuse names of real people or companies or invent names or addresses.
Any real people or companies mentioned below have NO CONNECTION to the scammers!

Read more about such scams here or in our 419 FAQ. Use the Scam-O-Matic to verify suspect emails.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

This email uses a separate reply address that is different from the sender address. Spammers use this to get replies even when the original spam sending accounts have been shut down. Also, sometimes the sender addresses are legitimate looking but fake and only the reply address is actually an email account controlled by the scammers.
The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
- "secretshopper14@live.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: Secret Shopper® <secretshopper@live.com>
Reply-To: secretshopper14@live.com
Date: Sat, 10 May 2014 10:22:20 +0200 (CEST)
Subject: SECRET SHOPPER NEEDED URGENTLY!

20 Mendelssohn Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55427-4310
www.secretshopper.com
Secret Shopper®

Welcome to Your step recruitment, You have been selected for assignment as a Detective Shopper in your area, and You will get $200 being a Detective Shopper. Your employment packet will include funds for the shopping.

A complete job description will be sent to you prior to your assignment.

Payment would be in a certain amount which you would be required to cash at your Bank, deduct your salary,and have the rest used for the evaluation at the store that would be given to you to evaluate.

Payment will be coming to you either via the following

1. Regular Credit Card (VISA CARD,MASTER CARD,AMEX,etc)
2. Bank Account Transfers
3. Cheque Payments

We would like you to participate because it's fun & rewarding. After you Sign-Up, You will have access to training materials.

Provide the following details if you are interested & have them sent to :secretshopper14@live.com

Full Name:
Address (NOT P.O Box):
City, State, Zip:
Occupation:
Age:
Email:
Phone Number(Cell&Home):

As a Detective Shopper You work and shop together for pleasure,and You only work 2-3 hours twice in a week. We wait your good response, Thank You!

Regards,
Thomas Brewer
Online Head Recruitment
www.secretshopper.com

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam