Scam Shopping Deals: Offers You Should Refuse!
Barry Cole, Visibility Evaluation Inc.,
Did you receive an email inviting you to become a
"mystery shopper"? possibly from a "Barry Cole" at Visibility Evaluation Inc.?
As near as we can tell, there is no real company with
that name. The actual emails below, between a victim and
someone using the name "Barry Cole" show how the scam
works. In sort, it is a fake check cashing scam. "Barry"
will send you counterfeit checks to cash for him, and
the "mystery shopper" will send money from those checks
to "Barry". By the time the checks bounce (which
can take weeks, if they are counterfeits drawn on stolen
account information), Barry will have the money, be gone
forever, and the victim will be left to pay back the
bank, and possibly face criminal charges.
An example of this is Barry Cole, Visibility Evaluation Inc. Other aliases
used are:
- Mart at Visibility Evaluation Inc.
which sends you an email that implies that want to compensate or pay you to
be a secret shopper, also called a mystery shopper. In fact, it is simply a
scam.
Here is an example of the email they send. Look for the typical clues
to a scam:
- Poor grammar, spelling, punctuation, improper capitalization and odd syntax (a real business would
proofread several times and make sure it is close to perfect before sending
a single email)
- Often the is no website for the business, which in this era, is very
odd, to say the least.
- No contact phone number (or it goes straight to a recording) and no
physical address, or an implausible address (eg, in the Trump Tower).
- Urgency - you are told you must act very quickly.
- And of course, the number 1 sign: "wire transfers", "Western Union", "MoneyGram",
and you will "accept payments", or "transfer funds".
See this page for more
information about Mystery Shopper scams.
Remember, scammers use the names or real, legitimate business and people,
without their knowledge, so even if there is a real company with the same name
as one in the email (such as Visibility Visibility Evaluation Inc., or Barry
Cole), they have nothing to do with the scam or scammer. Scammers use real
names they obtain from phone books, online, or in the physical world, to make
their scams appear more believable! The scammers are usually based in
other countries (typically Nigeria, China, Russia and even Canada) where they
are safe from US law enforcement.
Here is an example of the Barry Cole, Visibility Evaluation Inc. scam:
I applied for a mystery shopper job and they
sent me a fake check and tried to get me to cash it. Below is all
the emails:
The emails the victim (we changed her identifying information and name to
"Angel Doe") received, starting with the most
recent and moving backwards:
From the scammer:
Dear Angel Doe ,
I tried calling you, but anytime you pick
the call it always end after some seconds.(435-275-2277)
Top of the day to you, i will like to inform
you that the first payment from our client is ready and you will be
receiving $7,350 as first payment which you will be entitle to 10%
of the first payment which is $735. Mind you it is for a start, your
% will be increased when we see how hard working and truthworthy you
are willing to render here.
Below is the delivery details of the check
via fedex, you can visit there website and have it track
immediately, so that you will know exactly when the check will
arrive your address, immediately you receive it send an email and
proceed to the bank or anyother place you feel secured for the
cashing of the check. Mind you because it is cashier's check, it can
be cash immediately.
Courier service for delivery : Fedex (www.fedex.com)
Tracking Number : 863500705446 Amount on check : $ 7350 once you
cashed the check and remove your 10%($735) then with the balance of
($6,615), split the money into 2 half and send it to the details
below via western union .
Western Union Details
1st half transaction:
Receivers Name: Dauda Yusuf
City: Cotonou
Country: Republic of Benin
Text Question: pet name?
Answer: Rasher
Amount for 1st half:?
Mtcn:?
2nd half transaction:
Receivers Name: Dauda Yusuf
City: Cotonou
Country: Republic of Benin
Text Question: pet name?
Answer: Rasher
Amount for 2nd half:?
Mtcn:?
The details will be use to send the money in
2 places, so as soon as you have that done, forward me the western
union details of the 2 transaction.
The reason why we have a change of where you
will be forwarding the payment after cashing is because after the
Holidays we have lots of changes in our company, so that is the main
reason why, so take note..Our former account officer that you have
the infomation with you as gone on other assignment, so we are still
trying to send a good one across, so pending the time for us to put
everything back in place, use the one you have the information
abaove.
Mind you, western union fees will be deduct
from the remaining balance, NOT FROM YOUR 10% .everything is set to
move, because immediately this is been process fast, you will be
issue another check for $14,000 or more, so that is how it will be ,
as long as you are loyal and trusthworthy.
Our client are waitinng to make advance
payment for us.
Please reply me for mail acknowledgement.
Regards and Happy Holidays.
Mr Barry Cole.
I recived your email and are waiting for the
tracking number.
From the scammer:
From: Barry Cole <barrycole70@gmail.com>
To: "AngelDoe@netzero.net" <AngelDoe@netzero.net>
Subject: Re: WELCOME TO THE COMPANY.....
Date: Mon, 4 Jan 2010 14:28:50 +0100
Hello Angel Doe ,
Happy Holidays and Welcome to the New Year.
We are really sorry about the delay we have
been experiencing for some weeks now, but am writen you to give you
good news, we have correct all errors and block our loop holes, so
now new payment will be re- issued out from our client today and you
will be receiving it by tomorrow.
As soon as our client as notified us that
the payment has be mailed to you, we will provide you with the
internet tracking number , that you will use for the monitoring of
the package to know the exact time it will arrive your address and
it will be delivered via fedex courier service.
Mind you, all previous information about
where you will be sending payment after cashing given to you before
as been changed, and we will update it for you when sending you
details for the package..PLEASE TAKE NOTE.
The payment you are receiving is cashier's
check which is cashable imediately and further instrustions will be
given to you when we have confirm the necessary details for the
package.
Please confirm the receipt of my mail.
Regards,
good morning. I am still waiting on it. i
am hopeing today, but my post dosen't come untill 11:30.
From the scammer:
From: Barry Cole < barrycole70@gmail.com >
To: "AngelDoe@netzero.net"
<AngelDoe@netzero.net>
Subject: Re: WELCOME TO THE COMPANY.....
Date: Tue, 29 Dec 2009 10:11:18 +0100
Good morning,
I think you might be experiencing some
difficulties in the delivery of the check due to the christmas
holiday but surely you should receive it soon or have you received
it?
Thank you,
Barry Cole
> okay
From the scammer:
From: Barry Cole <barrycole70@gmail.com>
To: "AngelDoe@netzero.com" <AngelDoe@netzero.com>
Subject: Re: WELCOME TO THE COMPANY.....
Date: Thu, 24 Dec 2009 10:06:55 +0000
Ok,very good.Today is thursday and i think
the payment should have
arrived or anytime soon.Please notify when
you have it.
Barry Cole
Yes i recived your last email and am
waiting on payment
From the scammer:
From: Barry Cole <barrycole70@gmail.com>
To: "AngelDoe@netzero.com" <AngelDoe@netzero.com>
Subject: Re: WELCOME TO THE COMPANY.....
Date: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:27:32 +0100
Hello, How are you doing? This is just a
quick message to you if you received my last email.Please contact
ASAP so we can know you are still active. Thanks, Barry Cole
Thank you for the opportunity. I am
looking forward to start work.
From the scammer:
From: Barry Cole <barrycole70@gmail.com>
To: "AngelDoe@netzero.com" <AngelDoe@netzero.com>
Subject: WELCOME TO THE COMPANY.....
Date: Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:36:49 +0100
Dear Shopper,
Your application has been received,
reviewed and has been approved by our customer service. Through extensive
background checks, your information has been reviewed and processed.It is a pleasure to inform you that you have been cleared to
receive employment from our company.Your address and City code has
been ran through our system, and as soon as we have any duty which you
would have to carry out, you would be informed.Due to an
increasing amount of clients, time constraints, and overall work volume, the
letter of employment which you would have to sign would be sent to
you on a later date, but before then you can resume your duty as a
Secret shopper. After you get the letter, you must print, sign,
scan and send it back as soon as possible. In the mean time, you have
been given temporary work status.
Once you receive and send back the
employment letter, your status will be updated. You will first start out
handling smaller shopping contracts and when you have displayed an
ability to perform at an augmented level, you will start to
oversee larger activities and this would also mean an increase in your payment.There will be some tax documents you would have to file for and
register with either the United States. (It would be sent along
with the letter) For the mean time, YOU CAN START. You would also be
given extra funds in a case where by you are evaluating or studying
the activities of a place where spending is required by you.
Example is a Restaurant, clothing store,western union outlet,money gram
outlet, a bar or a situation where by mobility is required by you.
Respond with your thoughts and comments as soon as
possible.Congratulations!!! As a reminder, every activity of Secret shoppers remains a
secret between you and your employees. As the company reserves the
right to every documentation and information which you gather on
behalf of the company.Please confirm (Acknowledge) receipt of this
email, by writing back.Payment that you would process would be sent to
you as soon as possible and update about the payment would be sent to
you.
Yours Sincerely,
Barry Cole
My full name is Angel Doe
My address is: 781 N. Valleyview Dr. APT
24 NY, NY. My phone number is: 201-375-2277 My E-Mail
is:
AngelDoe@netzero.net I am very intrested in this job. I
would love a chance to do something like this.
I am home most of the time so it dose not make a differance in how
you contact me.
The original SCAM email from the scammer:
From: Barry Cole <barrycol70@gmail.com>
To: AngelDoe@netzero.com
Subject: Mystery Shopper!!!!
Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:23:06 -0600
VISIBILITY EVALUATION INCORPORATION
(A Division of Harvey Consulting)
605 Madeline Jane Ln.
Reno, Nv 89503
Company Registration No. - 14-4392289
VAT Registration No. - 747 4911 15
Dear Applicant,
We have a job opening for the
position of Mystery Shopper officer.Would you like to work from your
home and get paid weekly? We are offering this position to all
interested applicants. Please carefully read through.
VISIBILITY EVALUATION, INC is a
well established Evaluating Firm,We are a company that conduct
surveys and evaluate other companies. We get hired to go to other
peoples companies and act like customers in order to know how the
staffs are handling their services in relation to their customers.
once we have a contract to do, so you would be directed to the
company or outlet, and you would be given the funds you need to do the
job(either purchase things or require services), after which you would
write a comment on the staffs activities and give a detailed
record of your experience.
Mystery shopping involves providing
anonymous feedback to companies about the customer experience
at their locations. Companies use mystery shopping programs
for many reasons, but all programs involve evaluating whether the
company's standards are being met .During a typical mystery
shop, a mystery shopper will make observations at a specific store,
restaurant, or other type of location, while blending in like an
average customer. They will then report their observations to Global
Evaluation through an email contact that will be given to you or the
Experience Exchange.
Examples of details you would forward to
us are ;
1) How long it took you to get services.
2) Smartness of the attendant
3)Customer service professionalism
4)Sometimes you might be required to
upset the attendant, to see how they react to clients when they get
tensed(under pressure).
Most companies employ our
assistance when people give complaints about their services, or when
they feel there are needs for them to improve their customer
service. Your Identity would be kept confidential as the job states
(secret shopper) you would be paid 10% for every survey you carry out,
and bonus on your transportation allowance, and funds
would be given to you if you have to dine as part of the duty.
Your job will be to evaluate and
comment on customer service in a wide variety of shops, stores,
restaurant and services in your area. No commitment is made on this job,
and you would have flexible hours as it suits you.
If you are interested get back to us
with information below information , so that we can add your
mailing address to our Regional database.
First name :
Middle name :
Last name :
Address Line 1 : (NO P.O BOX)
Address Line 2 :
City : State : Zip/Postal code :
Home phone : Cell phone :
Email :
YOUR PREFERRED MODE OF COMMUNICATION
EITHER BY PHONE OR BY EMAIL Your response to this email is needed ,
so that we can reconfirm your mailing address details we have in
our database.We will be updating you as soon as the payment is
being sent to you and you will be directed as to where to have the
remaining 90% of the money sent to, after the deduction of your 10%
pay on every survey you carry out all other Instructions will be
sent out to you as soon as Evaluation will commences A swift
acknowledgment of the receipt of this email will be appreciated.
Thanks For Your Total Understanding.
Barry Cole.
Human Resources Manager
Visibility Evaluation Inc.
Technical Investigation:
Whois.org provides the following information about uuu:
The Better Business Bureau has this to say about Barry Cole, Visibility Evaluation Inc.:
CFR's Recommendation:
AVOID
Barry Cole, Visibility Evaluation Inc.! Do NOT sign up for it!
How to file a complaint against Barry Cole, Visibility Evaluation Inc.
To file a complaint against them, go to the
BetterBusinessBureau and click on "file a
complaint". For the details, like name and address of the business, use the information below:
Barry Cole, Visibility Evaluation Inc.
What to do and How to Report the Scam:
Anytime a scam involves a cashier's check, official check, or money order
from a financial institution and you believe that it could be counterfeit, you
should contact the issuing bank directly to report receipt of the check and to
verify authenticity. Only the issuing bank can verify the authenticity of the
item. When contacting the bank, do NOT use the telephone number provided on the
instrument, as this number is generally not associated with the financial
institution but rather with the scam artist.
To locate a bank's contact information, you can check the FDIC's website at:
http://www2.fdic.gov/idasp/main_bankfind.asp
Consumers who receive a counterfeit or fictitious item and associated
material should report it or file complaints with the following government agencies,
as appropriate:
-
Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
by telephone at 1-877-FTC-HELP or, for filing a complaint electronically,
via the FTC’s Internet site.
-
Royal
Canadian Mounted Police (Canadian Scams): by
telephone at 1-888-495-8501 or via e-mail at [
info@phonebusters.com ].
Their Web site provides additional
contact numbers.
-
Better Business Bureau – The
BBB system serves markets throughout
Canada, Puerto Rico, and
the
United States, and is
the marketplace leader in advancing trust between businesses and consumers.
The international Web site offers contact information for local BBBs,
objective reports on more than two million businesses, consumer scam alerts,
and tips on a wide variety of topics that help consumers find trustworthy
businesses and make wise purchasing decisions.
-
Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI) Internet Fraud Complaint Center for Scams that may have originated
via the Internet.
-
If correspondence is received via the U.S. Postal Service,
contact the
U.S. Postal Inspector Service at their website or by telephone at
1-888-877-7644, by mail at U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of
Inspector General, Operations Support Group, 222 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite
1250, Chicago, IL 60606-6100.
Additional information concerning this matter that you believe should be
brought to the attention of the Office of the
Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) may be forwarded by email to:
occalertresponses@occ.treas.gov
or by mail to
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Special Supervision Division, MS 6-4
250 E Street, SW, Washington, DC 20219
or Fax: (202) 874-5214
What are victims saying about Barry Cole, Visibility Evaluation Inc.?
See this page for emails and
comments from
victims!
| 
