Scammers promising work as a mystery shopper in return for cash are instead duping people into working with an international money-laundering scam.
The Dunedin CIB has launched an investigation after several people contacted them after answering a recent advertisement, which said mystery shoppers could earn $250 to $300 a week.
The advertisement asks for honest, responsible and industrious people aged 18 and over to apply for the position by email.
Applicants are sent a form email asking them to perform a mystery "shop" of a money transfer outlet, and cash counterfeit travellers cheques and send the cash - minus commission - to another overseas address.
After several similar advertisements around the country, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has warned people replying to the advertisement not to cash their "cheques".
"Do not attempt to cash them. You may be committing an offence. It is also likely that you will get further emails from the scammers pressuring you to 'cash' the 'cheques'. Don't respond or acknowledge these emails," the warning says.
A Dunedin woman, who declined to be named, became suspicious when the company said she had the job.
Attempts by the Otago Daily Times to contact the scammer, who gave fake contact details, were unsuccessful.
