Arizona Federal Credit Union Arizona Federal Credit Union DOES NOT PROTECT THEIR CUSTOMERS. Internet

I could not help but notice you tried to cover your actions by claiming not everyone is aware of scams - so you just assumed it was legitimate.  Now trying to blame the bank for your actions.   IGNORANCE IS NOT A VALID EXCUSE

from the sounds of if you cashed a bad check and sent most of the money off.   Now the bank expects you to pay them back - which is what is supposed to happen when you cash bad checks.     You deposited the check - you have to pay them back.   It is not the banks job to protect you from scams.  

Consider yourself lucky that they did not have you arrested! 

If you had asked the bank to verify the check first - without depositing it - this could have been avoided. 

It is interesting that you could find the complaint boards to complain - but did not check the complaint boards first.   Nor did you even look for Mystery Shopping Scams doing an internet search.  If you had you would have found this information from the FTC  

The Secrets of Mystery Shopping Revealed

Do you love to shop? If so, you may be tempted by unsolicited emails or newspaper ads that claim you can earn a living as a secret or mystery shopper by dining at elegant restaurants, shopping at pricey stores, or checking into luxurious hotels. But, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nations consumer protection agency, marketers who promise lucrative jobs as mystery shoppers often do not deliver bona fide opportunities.

What is Mystery Shopping?

Some retailers hire marketing research companies to evaluate the quality of service in their stores; these companies use mystery shoppers to get the information anonymously. They assign a mystery shopper to make a particular purchase in a store or restaurant, for example, and then report on the experience. Typically, the shopper is reimbursed, and can keep the product or service.

Many professionals in the field consider mystery shopping a part-time activity, at best. And, they add, opportunities generally are posted online by marketing research or merchandising companies. Nevertheless, fraudulent mystery shopping promoters are using newspaper ads and emails to create the impression that theyre a gateway to lucrative mystery shopper jobs with reputable companies. These solicitations usually promote a website where consumers can register to become mystery shoppers after they pay a fee for information about a certification program, a directory of mystery shopping companies, or a guarantee of a mystery shopping job

The truth is that it is unnecessary to pay money to anyone to get into the mystery shopper business. The shopping certification offered in advertising or unsolicited email is almost always worthless. A list of companies that hire mystery shoppers is available for free; and legitimate mystery shopper jobs are on the Internet for free. Consumers who try to get a refund from promoters of mystery shopping jobs usually are out of luck. Either the business doesnt return the phone calls, or if it does, its to try another pitch.

The Facts of Mystery Shopping

Becoming a legitimate mystery shopper for a legitimate company doesnt cost anything. Heres how to do it:

• Search the Internet for mystery shopping companies that are accepting applications. Legitimate companies dont charge an application fee. Many accept applications online.
• Do some homework about mystery shopping. Check libraries or bookstores for tips on how to find companies hiring mystery shoppers, as well as how to do the job effectively.

You can visit the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) website at www.mysteryshop.org for information on how to register to be a mystery shopper with a MSPA-member company, a database of available jobs, and additional information