The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota has identified two fraudulent - and seemingly related - mystery shopping firms which are claiming Minnesota addresses. After receiving inquiries about both CGM Dynetics, Inc. and L.W.A. Virtue Group, the BBB investigated and noticed the companies' websites are virtually identical.
Based on reports from consumers, the BBB is advising the public to be aware that these firms are fraudulent, and the checks they're mailing out are not legitimate. One report the BBB received from a consumer says that after dealing with L.W.A. Virtue Group, the company acquired their bank account information and proceeded to use it to 'wipe out' their account.
The BBB reminds people that though there are legitimate companies that offer mystery shopping opportunities, they do not send out checks and ask people to cash those checks and wire money back to them. Any time you receive a suspicious offer, report it to the BBB and the FTC (
www.ftc.gov).
