Newsroom Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pioneer Services warns against secret shopper rip-off
Scam artists using 'Pioneer Financial Services' name to defraud consumers, businesses
In the scam, consumers receive letters about becoming secret shoppers and explaining the way they will be reimbursed. The letters claim to be from "Pioneer Financial Services" and include a check in the amount of $4,600. Prospects are told to deposit the check in their bank accounts, wait 24 to 48 hours, and then send a specified amount via Western Union or Money Gram to certain "receiving agents" in order to judge the money-transfer companies' level of service.
The checks, however, fail to clear the bank—the scam is designed to prey on those eager to earn a paycheck and who may send their own money instead of waiting to see if the check is valid. It is only after the bogus check fails to clear the bank that they discover both the fraud and that the money they sent cannot be recovered.
Several individuals have recently contacted the Pioneer Services' office in upstate New York regarding this letter and the accompanying check. Pioneer Services has absolutely no connection with this matter and is actively and aggressively investigating this hoax. The company has contacted the proper authorities, consumer advocacy groups and Web sites, and the other companies listed in the hoax, regarding this issue.
Pioneer Services asks for anyone who receives a similar letter to contact the authorities immediately, including the Federal Trade Commission and their state attorney general.
Pioneer Services, the military banking division of MidCountry Bank, offers responsible financial services and education to members of the Armed Forces that enhance their quality of life and financial independence. For more than 20 years, Pioneer Services has been a leader in military lending. They offer the protection and security of a personal loan with the speed and flexibility service members need. Through a network of offices and on the Internet, Pioneer Services offers loans, financial education programs, and supports military families and communities through a variety of partnerships, programs, and sponsorships.
For more information visit www.PioneerServices.com.
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Scott Cahill
Public Relations, Pioneer Services
media@pioneerservices.com
ph: 816-448-2300
fax: 816-561-9333
You can also visit our press kit for more information about who we are and how we serve those in uniform.
Members of the media - please visit Pioneer Services' media page.
The timing of these postings is made at the discretion of Pioneer Services. Readers should not assume that the information contained on this site has been updated or otherwise contains current information. Pioneer Services does not review past postings to determine whether they remain accurate, and information contained in such postings may have been superseded.
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