Mystery Shopper Scam

TORONTO, April 28, 2016 /CNW/ - The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) is warning consumers and insurers that the companies My Shop Ltd. (using the email address [email protected]) and Mystery Global Survey Group (using an @intshopper.org email address) are conducting a mystery shopper scam.

These companies have sent letters and cheques bearing Intact Insurance's name and logo to a number of individuals, citing payment for a mystery shopper assignment. The scam typically involves My Shop Ltd. or Mystery Global Survey Group asking the individuals to deposit a cheque, keep a portion of the money in their account as payment and wire a sum of money to another person's account. However, the cheque will not clear and the individuals will not be able to recover the sum transferred. These are fraudulent cheques and not authorized by Intact, nor is Intact affiliated with My Shop Inc. or Mystery Global Survey Group, in any way.

This type of scam is a version of an advance fee fraud.

Consumers should exercise caution if they are contacted by anyone from these coordinates and are encouraged not to deposit the cheque or contact the company. Instead forward copies of the materials received to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Intact Insurance is a target of this scam and has published a warning notice on its website. Other insurance companies may potentially become targets as well.

FSCO's website contains a list of all insurance companies and agents licensed to do business in Ontario. 

Additional Information

What to Do If You Think You are a Victim of a Scam or Fraud

SOURCE Financial Services Commission of Ontario

For media inquiries, please contact: Malon Edwards, Senior Communications Officer, Telephone: [phone], Toll free: 1-800-668-0128, ext. 7795, Fax: [phone], TTY Toll Free: 1-800-387-0584, Email: [email protected]; Public inquiries: 1-800-668-0128, [email protected]