Residents warned about 'shopping' fraud

POST FALLS - Post Falls police are warning residents about a scam in which they are "hired" to be evaluators for businesses.

Two victims this week said they were "hired" through the Internet by a business claiming to be the Mystery Shoppers Program.

Checks are sent to the victims and they are asked to cash them at their local bank. Once cashed, they are asked to wire some of the money to another bank.

"The victims then report they are contacted a few days later by their bank, advising them the checks that had been cashed are no good and requesting the monies be returned," Detective Rod Gunderson said. "The victims are left on the hook with the bank.

"Even though it's counterfeit, it's ultimately your responsibility for the validity of it."

Gunderson said PFPD has taken about five such reports over the past six months. The amounts of the checks have ranged from about $1,500 to $7,000.

Gunderson said it generally takes a few days for the bank to learn the check is counterfeit.

And, since the money is being funneled outside the United States to places such as Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada and Nigeria, it's difficult to find the culprits, Gunderson said.

"Even though the check may be initially sent to New York or Florida, those people are being used as pawns to transfer the money outside the U.S.," Gunderson said.

Those with information or questions should call Post Falls police at 773-3517.