Delaware Consumer Research & Management Inc. Consumer Evaluation Don't Cash the check, it's a fake Wilmington, Delaware

I received a letter in the mail with a check that looked real. The Letter was from "Delaware Consumer Research & Management Inc. The check was from "Delaware Racing Association". In summary, the letter said I was selected to participate in a paid Consumer Research Program based on an on-survey I filled out.  I fill out the occasional survey, but only with businesses I am a consumer at. So this was unlikely. Further reading revealed that the check (for $1997.25) was to buy things at certain businesses and fill out a very simple survey. Too good to be true. The kicker, Western Union $1530 of that sum and $300 was mine too keep as well as the other goods I was to purchase.

The scam: The letter said to deposit the check and spend the money in 48hrs. If you do this, you will be spending your own money because you will not have had time to find out that the check would bounce. I bank on-line, if your deposit checks from home, you may be the target group .

The tell: The letter said "that due to the confidentiality agreement we have with our clients. (typo in the letter) You are required not to comment or discuss your assignment with the staff in the store or at the Bank. . . .

I called Wilmington Trust, they were listed as the bank. They verified the check is a fake.

I didn't buy into this scam, but in these economic times, I can see many people wanting to believe it.