SurveyMonkey SurveyMonkey - Mystery Shopper Fake Check Scam Internet, California

I am currently unemployed and have been looking on the internet for jobs.  I had seen many adds for 'Mystery Shoppers' on the internet and signed up to hopefully earn some quick cash.  Shortly after signing up as a Mystery Shopper for the SurveyMonkey program I received a typed letter in the mail with a check for 1,487.00 included and instructions on what I was to do.

According to the letter I was to cash the check and do a couple of Mystery Shopping assignments ASAP.  In return $300 out of the check was to be mine for doing this job and the $100 I was to spend at a department store was to be spent on anything I wanted and I was to keep what I bought.  I completed the assignments as instructed; I wrote up evaluations regarding the assignments and faxed all the documentation to SurveyMonkey as requested in a timely manner.

A couple of days later I used my debt card on the internet and was informed that my card did not go through.  Upon communication with my bank I was informed that the check for 1,487.00 from SurveyMonkey did not clear.  Therefore, I was responsible for paying the bank back $1,187, which I did not have. 

Initially, when I called the first number I was provided the message stated it was a 'MajicJack number which was not assigned to anyone'.  I then called another number listed on the letter.  Although, I have been able to speak with several different people at the second number, I continue to get the runaround and still have not received the money from them to cover their first check and all of the insufficient funds charges which have accumulated since. 

I have since heard of 'check scams' going on which describe exactly what I have experienced with MonkeySurvey.