FG Retail Survey Scam Los Angeles Internet

Received an email to take part in a paid marketing survey from lindastone@fgretail.com. Replied to the email and was then contacted by a maryolsen@fgretail.com . I was sent a packaghe which included a check for over $2000 with a request to reply for further instructions. The further instructions were to deposit the check, keep my fee of $300 and Western Union the remainder back to a Robert Medima 171 West North River Drive Spokane, WA 99201 on the day I cashed the check. 

The Western Union request reeked of scam to me so did some research. I would never WU cash to anyone unless I was sure the check had cleared which would take a few days minimum.

FGRetail.com had a fairly official looking website, but very little info. The website is now gone as I think they realized people were catching on to the scam. 

They used several different addresses in their correspondence that include

1241 S Soto St Los Angeles, CA 90023 

10420 Torre Ave Cupertino CA 95014

First Call Logistics 4715 Pinewood Rd Louisville, KY 40218

Note: there is actually a First Call Logistics that has an A+ rating from the BBB which is probably why they used that address on the checks, but it appears this check was in no way associated with that company. 

The addresses on Google maps go to a private residence, a public library, and a trucking storage company (not First Call Logistics, a different co.)

The check was written on BB&T account that most likely doesn't exist. BB&T has a bad reputation for terrible customer service, but that's a separate issue as I doubt this check was any good. I decided not to cash it and take the chance of a bounced check fee. 

I received one final email correspondence from maryolsen@fgretail.com asking why I hadn't sent the Western Union payment which I did not respond to.