Full Notification

SCAM ALERT

Fraudsters are sending fraudulent solicitations via mail to entice consumers to evaluate the retail experience, products and services at Walmart.

The scam starts with a legit-looking check, usually for an amount of up to $2,000, which is mailed to a consumer. The fraudulent check is supposed to be deposited into the individual’s personal account. Some of the proceeds are to be used at Walmart to purchase items as part of their mystery shopper program, a fake program that pays random people to shop at their local store and rate their experience through a survey.

In addition, the scam requires that you patronize Walmart’s "Money Mart" and utilize their MoneyGram service by transferring a majority of the funds provided in the fake check back to the fraudster. The letter authorizes the victim to keep $300.00 as a fee for rating the services.

Walmart does NOT utilize these types of secret shopper services and is not associated in any manner with the letters that are being sent out.

We have attached copies of the scam letter, check and envelope recently used. This information was turned over to us by an alert Camillus resident who wanted to make sure that people in our community do not become the victims of this type of fraud.

If you receive this type of information in the mail please shred it or destroy it. As always contact your local police department if you have any questions or concerns regarding this type of scam.

Thomas M. Winn
Chief of Police

"