HCD Surveys (HCD Research) has sent an email out to its survey panel members warning them of a potential scam alert. If you are a member of read below for more information:
Dear Panel Member,
Our company name, logo and other information was used by an unknown entity to unlawfully send out fraudulent checks in an attempt to scam people out of their hard-earned money. These checks were not sent by HCD Research, and have nothing to do with HCD Research in any way. They were mailed by someone or some organization that used our identity for fraudulent purposes. However, they attempt to fool people into thinking the checks are from us. The checks are NOT from HCD Research, and have no monetary value.
These checks are sent from a variety of locations around the country, and are sometimes accompanied by an email that is made to look like it’s coming from us. We can assure you, they are not. They sometimes mention “mystery shopping” and “customer feedback” as part of the deception. They also ask the recipient to deposit the check into their personal account and wire money through a money transfer service such as Western Union to a random account number. However, the check is fraudulent, and will ultimately bounce even if it is accepted by a bank for deposit or for cash. You will most likely, be held responsible for any money from a fraudulent check that you spend, withdraw or receive in cash from a bank or check cashing service. Therefore, any money that you transfer by wire will be your responsibility.
HCD Research has never run mystery shopper programs, and does not perform any type of check studies in this fashion in which a check is sent prior to your providing research feedback.
This type of scam is also being run using names from other market research companies. Please be wary of any check from a market research or research panel company that comes to you unsolicited and in a very high dollar amount.
If you believe you have received a fraudulent check from HCD Research, please DO NOT attempt to cash it under any circumstances.
Finally, please be aware that we at HCD Research are doing everything in our power to stop the perpetration and furtherance of this scam. If you have cashed the check, please contact your bank and your local law enforcement.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at support@hcdi.net.
Thank you in advance for your help and cooperation.
Regards,
The Staff of HCD Research.
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