Secret Shopper Scam: Counterfeit Check Alert

A company falsely claiming to be Edward Jones has been scamming consumers by pretending to seek "mystery shoppers". This company is NOT associated with Edward Jones.

The company invites the consumer to participate as a mystery shopper and includes a counterfeit check.

This check may resemble an Edward Jones check, but it is NOT. The consumer is instructed to evaluate Western Union by wiring funds to a predetermined destination. Next, the consumer is instructed to evaluate his or her shopping experience and is told to keep a portion of the money for his or her service. The consumer is then told to purchase a certain amount of goods (dollar amounts have varied) from national retail stores, such as, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Gap, K-mart, Sears or JC Penny.

Because the check is counterfeit, the check will not clear and the consumer is held responsible for the money withdrawn from his or her own bank account.

If you believe you have received documents relating to this scam, please contact your local law enforcement authorities, or your state's attorney.

Edward Jones takes the misuse of our name by people attempting to defraud others very seriously. We are investigating the matter and will report it to authorities as appropriate.