A New Twist On An Old Scam Is No Bargain

Is No Bargain (NAPSA)—Finding a way to protect yourself from the latest version of an old scam doesn’t have to be a mystery. Postal Inspectors describe the scam: You may receive a letter— accompanied by a fat check— inviting you to earn extra money as a mystery shopper. You’re likely to find that a letter inviting you to become a mystery shopperis no bargain. The letter and check will appear to come from a legitimate U.S. company. The listed phone numbers, however, originate in Canada. The letter instructs you to deposit the check into your checking account, withdraw an equal amount from your account and wire it to the address on theletter. You are encouraged to keep a small amount to cover wiring fees and merchandise. The problem is the check will prove to be worthless and you'll be left holding the bag for the amount you wired. Postal Inspectors advise that the safest way to handle this offer is to not respond. Report incidents to postalinspectors.uspis.gov or call (877) 876-2455.