Victim Location 32708
Type of a scam Fake Check/Money Order
TRACY KOROTKY, Survey Evaluation Coordinator. FAKE CHECKS/MONEY ORDERS mailed from
I was in contact with *** *** Investigations Coordinator, ScamPulse.com of Upstate New York:
"Thank you for contacting me about this. I was immediately suspect of the mailing I received. Here is the basic information. I will keep the paperwork received & follow up with sending you scanned copies. I will also follow up with contact with the links you listed.
12/10/18> Mailing from: BRIAN PENNEBAKER, 1116 E Yandell Dr., El Paso, TX 79902. Two checks for $1,450 each to shop at Apple Store.
724-278-3599> Texter claims to be TRACY KOROTKY. The number appears to be based in Pennsylvannia: Pittsburgh or Donora but paperwork was mailed from Texas."
12/20> [email protected]: Complaint Submitted – Your reference number is: *** Thank you for contacting the Federal Trade Commission. We have given your complaint the reference number listed above. Please use that reference number if you need to contact us about your complaint in the future. Once we have reviewed your complaint, you may receive another e-mail with additional information that may further assist you.
Victim Location 33578
Type of a scam Other
This is about Service Measures Research Inc (SMRI) representing mystery shopping company which is a scam.
I was originally introduced about mystery shopping on LinkedIn which is a very recognizable and reputable website for professionals. I had no suspicion about the legitimacy of mystery shopping activities since it was advertise on LinkedIn. I should have done a more thorough research in advance however, hindsight is always 20-20 and I’ve learned a very valuable lesson.
Someone by the name of Tracy Korotky (cell phone number 218-248-7519 from Virginia, Minnesota location) from SMRI has been texting me since 11/27/2018 at 13:59 about registration, first assignment and package (see attachments). Tracy Korotky appears to be a false identity.
The logo as shown is from http://www.servicemeasure.co website (indicated on the bottom of the SMRI’s letterhead) which matches 90% to the logo that is on top of SMRI’s letterhead (see attachment) with the sm part of the original logo cut off.
The alias Kelvin Luis, Ph.D – Survey Evaluation Co-Ordinator as appeared on the bottom left hand of SMRI’s letterhead (see attachment) also appears to be another false identity.
The check in the amount of $2,450 and the originator is Westmoreland Builders LLC which is a legitimate commercial/retail construction company HQ in Tulsa, OK. This is another evidence of false representation and paperwork irregularity which doesn’t match the company SMRI as represented.
SMRI can’t be found as a registered member of the MSPA (Mystery Shop Providers Association) in addition it is not on the top 100 certified mystery shopping companies.
The USPS tracking number 9405 5102 0082 9901 6778 92 shown the origination point below
The originator address shown Expert LLC which is a false identity and the address 8522 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 doesn’t list Expert LLC as one of the business listing at this address location.
Everything about Service Measures Research Inc (SMRI) represents a scam.
I would greatly appreciate if you can keep me well informed of your investigation of SMRI.
Thank you for your assistance.
Victim Location 35022
Type of a scam Employment
The email came from The Service Measure Research Group ([email protected])
Part-time job as a Brand Assessor for Service Measure Research Group. They capture your basic information from LinkedIn email address, address, and telephone number. First, you receive an email later followed by a text message a couple of days later from “John Barnes.” The text is advising you to make sure you are checking your email for the status of being selected. In the meantime, I received two separate emails asking the following questions:
Do you have any of the following stores around you? Walmart, Marshalls, Sams Club, CVS Best Buy Walgreens
Do you have an Apple Store close to you?
Occupation
Alternate email
Shortly after that, I received an email stating; my selection as a Brand Assessor and that my first assignment will be emailed to me shortly along with instructions. Please confirm email by texting 985- 247-8735 to confirm receipt of the email.
My first assignment Apple Store. My ability to receive other assignments will be contingent on successful completion of this assignment.
The attached came in the mail along with a cashiers check for $2985 from a Janet Deshazor 3821 Constition Dr. El Paso TX I did not cash or respond by email nor text that I received the letter.
Victim Location 90277
Type of a scam Counterfeit Product
The company called Service Measures Research Group is a scam. They call themselves the No1 Mystery Shopper and "pay" you for shopping and evaluating the store. They will send you a check for the amount they wish you to spend – in my case $***. They asked me to spend $*** in Walmart on gift cards and the remainder was my fee. The check came with instructions. They pressure you to deposit the check into your bank – which I did. They then pressure you to purchase the merchandise. Fortunately at this time I was suspecting it was a scam and told him the check needed to clear first. He continued to pressure me into purchasing the gift cards. Today the bank returned the check unpaid!!
SERVICE MEASURE GROUP IS A SCAM. His Name is Benjamin Hartfold.
Benjamin Hartfold
Senior Qualitative Director
Service Measures Research Group ®
USA Field Office
© 2018 SM Market Research Group.
Victim Location 92660
Type of a scam Employment
Initially contacted through LinkedIn, offering part time work as a Mystery Shopper, paying $250 per assignment. After answering some basic questions and "qualifying" as a Mystery Shopper they sent me my first assignment in the mail. The assignment was to evaluate an Apple Store and purchase 2 gift cards in the amount of 1)$1,400 and 2) $1300. A cashiers check was included in the amount of $2,988 which included my salary of $288. The assignment requested that I immediately send a text to 518-344-0315 upon purchase so that they can give further instructions on how to complete the task. I called First Financial Credit Union on the cashiers check who immediately asked if the check referenced "Bank of New York Mellon" and confirmed it was fraudulent. There are several misspellings on the check and on the assignment letter, I was not required to complete any paperwork as an employee, and they sent me TWO assignments in two separate envelopes, two checks for the same amount but different check #s. The guy texting me went by the name of Benjamin Hartfold.