Imperial Marketing Research IMR Secret Shopper Scam Letter and Check New York, New York

I received a letter from Imperial Marketing Research (IMR) stating I was selected to participate in a paid "Mystery Shoppers" program. The letter came with two "Assignment Evaluation" forms printed on the back of page and a separate "payroll check" for $1,993.00.

They ask for me to call account managers Linda Robert or Mark Armstrong for further instructions.

The first assignment would be transferring funds to an area manager named Karen Hanna via Western Union.

The second assignment would be spending $70 at Walmart, Walgreen, K-Mart, Sears, Costco, Best Buy, Home Depot, or Office Depot.

It is signed by Randy Goldberg, Director of Operations and they have "sponsors" listed at the bottom of the page.

Red flags:

- The "Administrative Office" address on the letter (160 West 56th Street, New York, NY, 10019) does not match the Administrative Office address on the check (399 Market St., Philadelphia, PA) and both do not match the contact telephone number (289-892-4149) which Spokeo says is located in Colorado Springs, CO.

- The written signature does not match the name that is typed

- They want money transferred through Western Union

- The forms to be faxed are found on the back of the letter. Most real companies would have this on separate paper to allow faxes to come through clearly.

- The envelope had no logo or return address and was mailed with a Canadian stamp

- The letter has poor grammar and spelling.