Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Consumers should be aware of two different scams that are currently making rounds.

The Better Business Bureau said both scams are a new twist on an old scheme to steal money and personal information.

A Walmart or Target phone scam is now calling recipients, claiming they have won a $100 gift certificate from the retailer. The caller asks numerous questions in an attempt to gain access to private information, including asking for a Social Security number. A request is also made for a $3.95 payment.

A secret shopper letter with the BBB seal offers $2880 to recipients who fill out a survey form. The person is asked to deposit the check with their debit card, then go to Western Union to wire money $2300 back to the company.

The “balance” is the recipient’s to keep and they are told to secret shop at one of the stores mentioned in the letter.

The BBB says secret-shopper opportunities that come in the mail unsolicited, or online, are not legitimate work opportunities. Consumers should be watchful for both scam attempts and be aware these are not valid offers.

Contact the BBB at 1-800-856-2417 if you think you are the victim of a scam.