M.S. Microdata Company, Inc.
Complaint 215885 Details

M.S. Microdata Company, Inc. claimed to want to hire me to be a Mystery Shopper (Customer Service Evaluator) on a permanent part time basis. They enclosed a check. I was instructed to activate the check on their website and if I had a problem with the website to contact their webmaster or technical support.

Activation included: entering my Job ID# and Password they provided. After activation, I was to deposit the check in my bank account and wait for it to clear and the money was available. Therefore, I deposited the check on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 and the funds were available the next day, Thursday, February 21, 2013 since the check was written on my same bank. Unfortunately, my bank did not put a hold on the check until Friday, February 22, 2013, which was after I had withdrawn the available and required money on Thursday, February 21, 2013.

My bank mailed a copy of M.S. Microdata Company, Inc.'s check back to me on Friday, February 22, 2013 and I received it today Friday, March 1, 2013. My bank's reason for nonpayment was Counterfeit (Altered/Fictitious). My bank charged the amount of the check back against my account and charged me for the returned check.

After check activation and the money becoming available, I was to deduct my stipulated participation salary and withdraw the balance in cash. Then I was to generate my assignments on their website completing them within 24 hours or be disqualified.

Survey Assignment #1 consisted of two parts, Step 1A and Step 1B:

Step 1A - Western Union: Send stipulated amount of money via Money in Minutes (plus fee) to a fictitious name chosen by them in Madrid, Spain.

Step 1B - Western Union: Send stipulated amount of money via Money in Minutes (plus fee) to a fictitious name chosen by them in Madrid, Spain.

Survey Assignment #2 was to take out $45.65 to shop at one of the following stores: WAL-MART, SEARS, COSTCO, BESTBUY, or HOME DEPOT. I chose WAL-MART. The items I was to buy were mine to keep.

Evaluation/Report forms were available for completion and sending online. Receipts obtained were to be faxed or scanned via e-mail for verification purposes. I scanned and e-mailed the receipts.

No matter when I called the company telephone number, I received their recording saying, "You have reached M.S. Microdata, Company. We are unable to take your call due to high volumes of incoming calls. However, if you just received your acceptance letter and wish to proceed. Sign in and get started on online. Activate check and generate personalized tasks on website and then proceed to work. Fax or scan receipts obtained to coordinator for review immediately after doing assigned tasks to avoid disqualification. Still online, form corresponding to assignment done and submit. NOTE: This trial assignment is MANDATORY for new participants. You will be contacted by your coordinator after review. Thank you and have a great day."

I cannot believe that this has happened and they cannot be contacted to correct this situation. At this point, I just want my money back.