Spectra Consumer Research Group SCAM--SCAM--SCAM Houston Texas

I received a letter in today's mail and was immediately suspicious because it contained what looks like a legitimate check in the amount of $3986.19. It is dated and signed with my name and address on it. The check is drawn on Frost National Bank, Dallas, TX with a business name of Goetz Fibers, L.P., 11311 N Central Expressway, Ste 301, Dallas, TX 75243. The accompanying letter is as follows:

Date: April 20th 2009
Position: Customer Service Evaluator
Representative ID: MX00185

This is to inform you that based on previous survey by our affiliate Consumer Survey Specialist you indicated to be interested in an additional income on part-time basis. You are hereby selected to participate in a paid Consumer Research Program in your area of residence as a Mystery Shopper. As one of the Research personnel selected under this program, you will be a Consumer Service Evaluator of selected retail stores, restaurants and various establishments, making predetermined purchases and evaluating the Consumer Service level of the stores and service providers.

This research program is a fully paid program and would become a permanent part-time position for a selected few who are able to distinguish themselves in the course of this program. After this training assignment, your salary will be increased to $600.00 per week for the first three months. Additional increment of $750.00 per week will follow after another three months if you choose to stay with us.

The letter continues verbatim as another letter which I read on this site. It explains the distribution of the funds as follows:
1. 3 hours probationary training pay @ the rate of $100.00 per hour ... $300.00
2. Funds for shopping ........$220.00
3. Service Charge by Western Union....... $166.19
4. Required funds to be sent................ $3,300.00
Total...........................$3,986.19

The last paragraph reads as follows:

For our verification of assignment completion, please contact your assignment coordinator Ms. Sarah Benson at 1-866-991-4815 ; Ext. 704 to confirm receipt of the check. Please fax all copies of your shopping receipt(s), acceptance form and evaluation sheet to 1-888-315-4214. This paid training assignment is probationary and takes three (3) hours to complete at the rate of $100.00 per hour. Your success will determine your future employment with us. Congratulations and good luck.

Sincerely,

James B. Murdon
Director, Human Resources

After reading over the letter and comparing the name on the check with the name of the company, i became suspicious as to how this could be. I googled the company name and came up with a similar letter on your website. I made the mistake of calling the 866 number and leaving my home phone number. I'm not sure that this will be the end of this for me. I've been getting loads of similar offers in my e-mail everyday so i think someone found my real address through that. Anyway, I hope this helps someone else from getting ripped off by a scammer.

Mary
Bristol, Tennessee
U.S.A.