MQR Research Inc Email asking for participation in research study. Sent check for $2,200 with $300 for participation and remainder for expenses. Los Angeles California

I received an email asking for participation in research study with compensation of $300. I used to work in research and $300 is normal for a high end study (often times financial or asking for white collar professionals time. There was a short survey to see if I qualified and then an email confirming that I qualified.

Next came an email which struck me as odd - they said they have sent the $300 compensation along with materials for the research. I thought it odd that they would pay me before I did the work.

Then the check came and it was for approximately $2,200 -- the $300 compensation and the rest for expenses related to the research, but no information on what to do. I immediately found it fishy and googled it and found someone else report on the same scam. They said they checked and the bank the check was written on was bogus.

I still haven't figured out where the scam part comes in and I hope I don't. I don't remember the survey questions, but they were brief. However, they now have my address.

I will definitely make sure I have the high security on at equifax.