Mystery shopper scam involving Walmart gift cards

 A secret shopper scam is no mystery to a Virginia man, and he is reaching out to warn consumers before they get ripped off, WWBT reported.

 Brad Beatty said he was sent a priority overnight envelope containing a $2,900 cashiers check. The note in the letter congratulated him for being selected for Secret Shopper, a program that rewards shoppers for spending the money and then sending in a survey about experience.

As Beatty warns, there is no such thing as free cash.“Nobody is going to send you $2,900 to do them a favor,” Beatty told WWBT. “They're making you feel like you're doing a deal and getting paid for it, but you're not, because they're going to take that money right away.


“When the bank finds that the check is (a) fraud, they're going to take it out of your savings, and you're out of the money.”The letter instructed Beatty to keep $400 and use $2,500 to buy five $500 Walmart gift cards, WWBT reported. Then he was told to take a picture of those cards, peel the silver scratch-off from the back, and then email the photos along with a survey about his shopping experience.Beatty said he received a text message that said he would receive a $100 bonus if he completed his assignment in a certain time frame. He said he was not sure how someone got his mailing address and cellphone number, but added that he has been contacted several time since the envelope showed up at his home.

“If they give out 10,000. I bet 50 to 100 people will do it and lose money,” Beatty told WWBT. “I don't want to see anyone lose their money”A search on the Better Business Bureau's scam tracker shows there have been 750 reported “Secret Shopper” scams in the United States. On Walmart's website, there is a page dedicated to Fraud Alerts -- one of them warns against mystery shoppers. Walmart says it doesn’t “utilize these services or hire associates to perform services on behalf of other retailers or companies.” Beatty preaches caution.“Just be very careful and check things out before you go cashing checks,” he told WWBT.

Fake Check Scams and Work at home jobs

How Fake Check Scams Work

Basically, the person running the scam convinces the victim to cash a check and then send, via wire transfer, a portion of the money to another location. (The portion kept by the victim is payment of a commission or prize.)

However, the check (or money order) is a very convincing fake, and it will take the victim’s bank some time to discover that the check is no good. U.S. banks are required to make funds available within a few days, but it can take weeks for a fraudulent check to be discovered. However, wire transfers happen almost immediately. So the money that has left the victims account is long gone by the time it is discovered that the check is fake.

What a Fake Check Scam Looks Like

The variation in these scams come in the reason the victim is asked to cash and then send funds. Many of these are job-related. Beware of these:

• Mystery shopping—Mystery shopping can be legitimate; in fact, it often is. But there is a scam in which a check is sent to cover the cost of purchasing and returning goods, then you are supposed to wire back the money, keeping your cut.
• Payment processing jobs—These jobs can look very real when you apply. You are processing payments for people in other countries. You may even be asked to open a business checking account in your location, but it is in your name and you are on the hook when it is overdrawn.

• Lottery, sweepstakes and inheritance windfalls—You’ve won. A check arrives but the scammer asks that an amount must be sent in for taxes and fees. Seems reasonable but the check was a fake.
• Auction/purchase overpayment—Never accept payment for more than the agreed upon price. This is a very common way to defraud. When you refund the overpayment but keep the agreed-upon amount, later you may find out the check bounced.
• Rental schemes—A new roommate or tenant offers to send you the rent and then some if you forward along a payment to the movers or someone else. Guess who is left with no roommate and an overdrawn account?

• Reshipping jobs—This involves receiving goods to be shipped elsewhere.

Money Laundering and Check Cashing Scams

In addition to losing your money in these kinds of check-cashing schemes, it is possible the victim could go to jail. In reshipping scams or payment processing scams, you could actually receive the money agreed upon, but only because you are participating in money laundering and/or selling stolen goods. In money laundering, the payment might come into the victim’s account via wire or online transfer.

How to Protect Yourself From Check Fraud

It’s simple. Do not cash checks for people you do not know. Do not wire money to people you do not know. There are no legitimate reasons for this.

Work From Home with VIPKID & Earn up to $22/hr

VIPKID.com is an awesome way to bring in extra money – and they’re hiring teachers who love working with kids and who want to work from home! 

They’re looking to hire teachers who are passionate, enthusiastic, and who are motivated to work with a company growing at a fast pace in China. In fact, they currently employ over 60,000 teachers working in 35 countries and teach over 500,000 students… but they’re still growing and need even more teachers!

VIPKID is also a Strategic Partner of TESOL International Association, the largest global association for English language teaching professionals. And they have won numerous awards because of their innovative business model! In fact, did you know that VIPKID.com was ranked #4 by FlexJobs in Forbes‘ 2019 ‘Top 100 Remote Work Companies Report’?!

What is VIPKID?

VIPKID provides an international learning experience to children in China between the ages of 4-12. The company is headquartered in Beijing and offers fully immersive one-on-one English language instruction provided online by qualified teachers. The curriculum is based on the U.S. Common Core State Standards and uses a flipped-classroom approach to foster creativity and critical thinking skills. 

Need a webcamp for your computer grab this one 

A few perks of working for VIPKID:

Flexible Schedule

• You can work from home or anywhere else that you want – no commuter traffic! You’ll be able to set your own schedule and work as few or as many hours as you’d like. (It’s recommended that qualified teachers be available for at least 7.5 hours of teaching time per week.)

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No lesson plans OR grading

• VIPKID provides the lesson plans for you to choose from. They even communicate with parents so you don’t have to! You just need a computer, passion, and skills for teaching.

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No education degree required

• You don’t need a degree in education to be a VIPKID teacher! All you need is a bachelor’s degree in ANY field AND one school-year of traditional teaching experience or the equivalent in mentoring, tutoring, or alternative education.

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Earn up to $22/hour from home!

• Qualified teachers will teach English to young students online and will make between $14-$22 per hour. Your minimum pay will be determined by your demo class performance and incentives by your monthly class participation and completion.

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No teaching HUGE classrooms

• Do large classrooms intimidate you? No worries! All VIPKID classes are one-on-one to ensure they meet 100% of each student’s needs.

Check out some feedback from current teachers 

Sarah's Feedback 

 I have been teaching with VIPKID since April of 2018. The great thing is that the hours are flexible, with no minimum hours required. Do you have complete control over your schedule and can change it from week to week. You can choose to work a lot or not at all. The classes are only 25 minutes, so it’s an easy job to fit in a little before or after your regular job. The lessons are provided for you and come with teaching tips for each lesson slide and often times an answer key. The pay averages to be $20-22  an hour. You teach one student at a time and it is easy, fun and rewarding.

On the downside, you are a contracted teacher so you get a 1099 form, which means that taxes are not taken out. It is suggested that you set aside a portion of your earnings. The two other big ones are that it can take a little time to get regular, consistent bookings because it’s like developing your own business and reputation. The other thing is that they have a strict cancellation policy, so you just want to be careful about checking your schedule.

I have been a teacher for 19 years and have a masters degree in education, but the great thing about this job is that all you need is a bachelors degree and it can be in any field! The other big requirement is that you have one year’s “teaching” experience working with kids, but it can be in any capacity (tutor, school volunteer, babysitter, Scouts leader or Sunday School teacher, parent, etc.). You must say 1+ year on the application or you won’t pass through.

Due to this job, I have paid off two auto loans and my large credit card. I am now working on my last break that which is my student loan. This job has been such a blessing!! I only wish I found it sooner.

Amy's Feedback 

  I’ve been teaching with VIPKID for three years and really enjoy it. The downside is that you have to get up very early to teach during their peak times, and they have a strict cancellation policy. The great things are that I work at home, make my own bookings schedule, and can teach as often as I want. I have a master's degree in education. I also earned the TESOL certification through VIPKID. I have received pay raises every year. It’s a wonderful part time job!

The base pay starts at $7 per 25 minute class, but you can get a higher starting base pay if you have a master's degree, are already a teacher, or have other credentials relating to teaching. Also, you can earn incentives for teaching a certain number of classes every month, and those will add $2 to your base pay. So, up to around $22 an hour.

Savannah's story  

I’ve been teaching for a year come April. The perks- it’s flexible, pretty easy to do and there are incentives sometimes like once you hit a certain number of classes. The cons- early wake up time, sometimes the kids are a pain (as is life) if you miss a class for almost any reason they don’t pay you and you are charged $2.00 out of your pay. It can also have slimmer times like when there are holidays in China.
I have a BFA with a small business minor but all they require is a 4 year degree. And I did have to do an education certification through VipKid but it’s because I don’t have experience in traditional education. I’m a dance teacher but it doesn’t count for their requirements. It’s helped with our baby steps because although I don’t teach a ton (it’s just what I’ve chosen for my hours) it gives us money for groceries or gas each month normally

Ashey's Story 

 1) I joined VIPKid summer of 2017. I was pregnant  and needed a side job that I could work from home and that didn’t interfere with my full time job.. They only required a bachelors degree (mines in accounting) and allowed me to use babysitting as experience with kids.
2) The good is the pay. I make $8 per class so $16 an hour. Then +$4 for the incentives so $20 an hour. Then if I do short notice it can be up to $24 an hour. It’s flexible and I’m able to teach when I want. I think the time is a pro but many find it a con. I teach 4am-7am. I like teaching at home in my pjs when my family is asleep.
Cons, it does take a few weeks to get fully booked. Hours can be a con (it works for my schedule). VIPKid does favor the parents so if there is any technical problems that are questionable it will be marked a teacher problem. (Doesn’t hurt your contract, just don’t get paid for the class).
3) I hold level 1- level 6. Haven’t really wanted the level 7+. I prefer the babies. I have many of the supplement certifications too. Again, I prefer the level 1s/2s.
4) My goal was to make enough with VIPKid to cover set expenses (rent, utilities, insurance, etc) and use my full income to cover debt and flexible expenses (food, clothes, etc). You can make as much or as little as you want. I used to pull all nighters when I was intense at paying off debt. Just be careful because you can get burnt out if you push too hard.
In my opinion, hands down best side job. I plan on doing it full time in a year or so.

Progressive hiring Work at Home Call Center Reps

Progressive, one of the largest providers of auto  insurance in the United States, is now hiring work from home Customer Service Representatives.

Job opportunities 

• Claims Representatives care for customers recently in accidents by demonstrating empathy while setting up new claim reports; you’ll also offer customers additional products 
• Inbound Sales Reps offer new customers the best products for their needs – no cold calling!

Must-have qualifications                                                                      

• Two years of post-secondary education or higher 
• Instead of the above, two years of relevant work experience  

Training Starts:  Ongoing basis

Permanent schedule:  Most schedules will include a weekend day and evening hours after completion of training 

Work from home office requirements 

• Designated workspace free from noise and other distractions  
• Remote office internet connection via DSL or Cable Modem with minimum speed of 10mbps down and 1mbps up 
• Computer that is provided to you must be physically connected to the router or modem by a cable (no wireless connection) 
• All Progressive hardware you receive needs to be connected to a surge protector    
• High-speed internet access is at your expense unless otherwise required by law 

Compensation 

• $16.50hr-$19.25hr
• Gainshare bonus up to 16% of your eligible earnings based on company performance 
• An additional 10% when you work evening or weekend hours 

Work From Home with Wayfair Inbound Sales Agent

Hilton Hotels is Hiring Hundreds of At Home Workers

Benefits 

401(k) with dollar-for-dollar company match up to 6% 

Medical, dental & vision, including free preventative care 

Wellness & mental health programs 

Health care flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, & life insurance 

Paid time off 

Paid & unpaid sick leave where applicable, as well as short & long-term disability 

Parental & family leave; military leave & pay 

Diverse, inclusive & welcoming culture with Employee Resource Groups 

Career development & tuition assistance 

Apply here  

You will need to put in keyword remote and claims, sales, customer service  

How finding a work at home job is now easier?

Ryan H  in California  used to make $30,000 a year as a preschool music teacher. Now he makes $30,000 a month producing jingles and videos through a website called Fiverr — and he does so from the comfort of his home.

Heenan is part of an explosion in home-based work opportunities occurring thanks to the Internet. Consumer reporters such as myself used to struggle to offer people legitimate work-from-home options. In fact, most of our stories on the subject were about work-from-home scams. But now there are all sorts of solid opportunities to make a living in your pajamas.

Websites that connect workers with clients are the game-changer. For example, on Fiverr, ­Heenan’s venue of choice, freelancers list their services — many starting at just $5 — for companies to browse. On FlexJobs, companies list jobs for freelancers to consider. FlexJobs charges a monthly fee of $15 for membership, or $50 for a year. Fiverr takes a 20 percent commission on earnings. Both sites cater to a wide variety of professionals, but Fiverr seems to attract creatives such as graphic designers, writers and videographers. FlexJobs’ list of categories includes more technical options, such as accounting, project management and engineering.

How to get Started with Upwork

There are also many niche employment websites that focus on a single type of home-based work. Many hire freelancers; Others are looking for home-based employees. Some even offer benefits like healthcare coverage and paid vacation. Here are several worth checking out. Just be sure to check with the Better Business Bureau and other consumer organizations before working with a site, as their reputations can change over time.

Check ou the whole article on the Washington Post

What does a Social Media Manager Specialist do?

Social Media Managers are a new hot job that you can do remotely. But what exactly does one do   Here is a manager/coordinator job description for a large retail company but the basics are really the same for a mom and pop business vs a large national organization.  

The social media team creates and nurtures stories aimed at fostering authentic connections with consumers all over the world. The Social Media specialist  is responsible for managing strategy, content sourcing, publishing, and optimization of  climb social media channels and activation.

What are your daily tasks a social media specialist 

Develop and evolve   organic content strategy for the brand’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.

Create and manage  content calendar.

Provide content sourcing, publishing and reporting support social media channels.

Develop creative briefs for activations around brand, ecommerce, retail, and sports marketing initiatives, athlete stories, and  corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Develop social media strategy, managing key athletes and partner relationships to bring them to life.

Coordinate production of social media activations.

Stay up to date and share best practices for each platform with international partners, athletes, and wholesale dealers.

Continually optimize content and account configuration for each channel.

Analyze and report content performance on each channel.

Get the latest Social media manager specialist work at home remote job leads 

Working Solution Call Center great WAHM job opportunity

Working Solutions is a recognized leader in home-based contact and call center jobs. Become an Independent Agent and Work Anywhere with Working Solutions.  I know alot of wahms would love this opportunity. 


 They have been a recognized since 2015 as a top remote company from Flexjobs There’s nothing like hearing what our contact center agents think. Firsthand. In person. Out in the field. Such is the case, as captured in the new video, “

We Asked Agents What They Love about Working Solutions.” 




Their words resonate throughout our company, now in its 23rd year. They inspire us. Bind us together as a team.

Most important, they guide us, improving the business and elevating sales and service for our clients and their customers.

Interviewed at a recent meeting in Houston, Texas, agents told us they like their coworkers, caring culture and work-life flexibility.

Tax Software Customer Service Representative
Duties will include providing personalized tax preparation software support and guidance and troubleshooting through inbound phone calls and video chat. One to two years’ experience in a high-volume customer service role is required. Having prepared your own taxes is a plus.

Corporate Travel Agent
This remote role will provide customer support on itinerary selection and ticketing options for air, hotel, and car reservations, and make changes to existing reservations. One to two years’ experience in a high-volume customer service role, experience in a GDS system, or a strong interest in learning Sabre is needed.

Event Ticketing and Sales
Taking inbound customer service calls and talking with buyers and sellers to provide first-call resolution or determine the appropriate triage route are the main tasks of this role. You’ll need some working knowledge and interest in sports, music, or theater, and one to two years’ experience in a high-volume customer service role.

Senior Living Customer Care

Working remotely, this role will provide compassionate customer care support through inbound calls and outbound calls to assist seniors and their families in finding senior living care. One to two years’ experience in a high-volume customer service role is required. Experience in the senior care industry is preferred, or a strong desire to learn about senior care.

Sound good?

If so, become part of the Woohoo Crew, where agents wow our clients and their customers every day. Apply today