AG shuts down two websites for "work at home" scam - NEWS10 ABC: Albany, New York News, Weather, Sports

AG shuts down two websites for "work at home" scam

ALBANY, NY. - "Working from home," it's something computer professional Larry Zimbler says he's considered.  

"There's a mystery shopper industry real," Zimbler says. "It's a legitimate way to make part time money."

Zimbler, the President of Libertecks computer repair shop in Albany, NY shows us some legitimate mystery shopping sites.

"Here's one in Ballston Spa," Zimbler points out. Shoppers a cash incentive to evaluate customer service while getting an oil change. The incentive is $25 plus a reimbursement of $45 for the oil change.

"It's not bad at all," Zimbler said.

While this site is legit, New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman just shut down two sites that claimed to offer the same type of opportunity, except scam artists were behind them and stole thousands of dollars from people.

The sites were "www.idealcorp.net" and "www.survson1.com" NEWS10 tried getting to the sites and they're no longer working.

"These scams are particularly insidious because they target individuals looking for way to bolster their income in this challenging job market.

Schneiderman tells us the victims would log in to these sites with a "job number" that would give them a work assignment as a secret shopper for "western union." The victim was sent a counterfeit check for $2,000 and told the keep $300 as payment, the victim was then instructed to wire the remaining $1,700 to someone overseas and evaluate western union during the process. After doing so the victim's bank identifies the deposited check as counterfeit and takes $2,000 back out of the victims account.

"I think it's horrible," Zimbler said.

Zimbler who's worked in computer repair and service for 30 years tells us he's seen all sorts of internet viruses and schemes that work towards stealing people's money. He explains this is a version of the fake check scheme.

"Every now and then we'll get an envelope with a check in it [delivered to the shop.] They used to be from Nigeria, now they're from anywhere in the world. I'll call the bank and say this isn't a good check and they'll say no it's completely fake.

Zimbler says "working from home" is a good opportunity, but there are some red flags to look out for.

   1. if the site asks for your personal info.

   2. if they send you a check before you do any work.

   3. if they ask you to wire money.