Internet scam nets dozens

By JOE BELANGER, SUN MEDIA

At least 60 Londoners have been defrauded in an Internet scam that promises to pay them for being "secret shoppers."

Police said the victims are asked to cash cheques or money orders averaging about $2,500, to keep a fee of about $200, then forward the remaining cash by money order to an address through Western Union to test the company's service.

When the cashed money orders or cheques are found to be bogus, the victims often have to repay the bank.

Western Union is not conducting such a survey, police said.

Similar scams have been reported across the province in recent months.

London police warn the public not to provide personal information to strangers, especially over the Internet.

"Many fraudulent schemes require that the victim send funds by money order as these are virtually untraceable," said Const. Amy Phillipo.

"This type of transaction should be a red flag for anyone doing any transactions with persons they do not know."