Nielson Research Group
Complaint 99166 Details

I received a letter from this group a few days ago. I have been out of work for several weeks, and had looked online at some of the "mystery shopper" opportunities. I didn't participate in any of them, and then this letter shows up in my mailbox. It contained the letter/survey on the back, and a check for $2,400.00. The letter stated that $300.00 was for me for my participation. There were two surveys that needed to be conducted. One was for The Western Union and the other was for Walmart. I was told to deposit the check in the bank on the day I received it. I was told to call "Patricia" the next day at 10am. I did all this, and when I called the second day, she told me to go back to the bank and withdraw $2100.00. I was to take $1,800.00 to Western Union, wire that money to "Thomas" and give him MY last name, to London, United Kingdom. When finished, I was to call Patricia back, give her the "control number" from Western Union. I did this and of course she asked me the "survey" questions to make it look legitimate. I then took $150.00 to Walmart ... shopped (was told I could keep whatever I bought), and then returned home to call Patricia and answer more survey questions. She told me I would be doing one survey per week for 3 months and would be paid for each one. Three days later their check "bounced". I lost $1,100.00 that I had saved for a cruise that is 3 weeks away. I also lost $765.00 for my rent for April. As I stated, I have been out of work since 3/19/2012 ... what was taken from me was ALL the money I had to my name. I am sick about this. I filed a police report, and even the policeman said the letter was pretty legitimate looking ... whoever is doing this knows how to make it look good. I'm an educated woman, and not easily duped. However, I feel pretty ashamed right now. I've lost what little money I had, and I just don't know what to do at this point.