I received an email asking me to participate in a focus group about soda consumption in the home. Well of course, being the Pepsi drinker I am, I thought why not! There are plenty of legitimate focus groups and I have participated in several over the years. They said they were willing to pay me $250 for logging in 3 times over the course of a week to answer questions on soda intake in my family. I did not offer them more than they already had as far as information. They had my name and e-mail. I asked for further information.
I received in return an email letting me know that the focus group was filled and that is when I starting getting that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.
Instead they could offer me a better deal! I could evaluate the service of Western Union for them. Lucky me, right? They offered to pay me $300 and all I have to do is send them a few hundred and they will reimburse me + the $300. Now, I may look gullible but I wasn't born yesterday! This is a scam!
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The promise of only two hours work and a little information along with my hard earned money. They wanted my name, address, phone number, occupation, age and my social security number.
I thought to just delete it and move on but then I wondered ....how many folks who are struggling will take them up on this offer? Not just senior citizens but young and old alike! I mean at first they appear legit. They even use the name of a legitimate marketing company. I took that into consideration but I called the company and lo and behold...that number is disconnected!
So please put the word out...remember if someone asks you to send them money to make money they are doing nothing but stealing and you will not get any money back!!!! I know these scams have been around for years but times are tough and people are trying desperately to find ways to catch up on those bills. Anyone asking for your social security number unless it is the person you work for should raise a few red flags.
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