BBB is issuing a warning about a business, posing as PineCone Research Panel, to fraudulently conduct a mystery shopping check cashing scam. Consumers receive a counterfeit check and are advised to cash it. Once cashed, consumers are then asked to secretly shop a money transfer business by wiring funds to unknown individuals. Consumers who have been scammed have reported losing as much as $3,060.
BBB warns consumers to be suspicious of anyone that asks you to cash a check and wire funds. In these scenarios the check is likely counterfeit and will eventually bounce. The consumer who cashes the check will be held responsible for any money lost in the transaction, plus any additional fees imposed by their bank.
BBB is unable to determine the person(s) responsible for this scam. The name, PineCone Research Panel, belongs to an actual company doing business in Cincinnati, OH. However, PineCone Research Panel of Cincinnati, OH is not affiliated with the person(s) perpetrating this scam and has issued their own notice.
Just received this email from pineconeresearchgroup@aol.com
You have been invited to participate in our Business Evaluation Survey !!! ($150 per survey)
PineCone Research assigns over 150,000 in-store surveys each year and has provided business evaluation
services for over 15 years. It is free to sign up and we are always looking for enthusiastic new panelists.
Through our business evaluation surveys, PineCone Research delivers an accurate picture of the customer
experience and services using on-profile people in real situations to report on their interaction.
Apply to join our panel and get paid to shop, enjoy leisure activities, or have your say on customer service standards.
If you would like to be considered for assignments, please fill the requested application below:
================================================
Names:
Address Line 1:
Address Line 2:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Home Phone Number
Cell / Mobile Phone Number:
================================================
Sincerely,
PineCone Research™
250 East 5th St. 9th Floor,
Cincinnati, OH 45202
PineCone Research™ Copyright 2012 © PineCone Research Foundation
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did this turn out to be a scam? i rcvd the same email
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Thank you for submitting a comment. On the surface, the business hasn’t sent you a fake check and asked you to cash it and send a portion back, however, you don’t know what you would receive if you completed the form. The actual business named PineCone Research Panel states on their website (http://www.pineconeresearch.com/Important%20Security%20Notice.htm) that all communication from them will always be from the email address “scott@pineconeresearch.com”.
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I received the same email and actually received a check from them and a name of the person where to Western Union it too.. I have all the emails sent to me. I called the bank today and gave them the account number to see if the check was fake and they told me it was a real account, however it had a third party block on it and I would need to call the maker of the check to see if it was real? Christine who do I go to with this information?
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We would recommend you contact a couple different agencies. First, since you received the check through US Mail, you may wish to contact the United States Postal Inspector (http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/). They handle any matter of fraud through the US Mail. Secondly, Western Union has a fraud department. They may be interested in this matter since you are supposed to send the money through their source. They can be contacted at 800-448-1492 or online at http://www.westernunion.com/us/consumer-protection/StopFraud.page? Finally, you may wish to contact your state Attorney General’s office to make them aware of the email/check you have received. Thank you for contacting BBB.
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Needless to say, I ain’t getting duped.I checked pinecone research and saw they were a legit company. However, after filling out their form I received this:
From: pinecone com
To: ****************** (my email addy removed)
Date: Tue, Dec 11, 2012 10:44 am
Dear Andrew,
Following the successful assessment of your application which took place a couple of minutes ago, you’ve been selected as a Mystery Shopper for your region of United States. We strongly believe you’ve got what it takes to carry out the various survey in your region and hope we’ll not be disappointed.
Your First Assignment:
To carry out a Secret Survey on the nearest Western Union outlet in your location by forwarding a fixed amount {$1550.00} to a “Mystery Consumer” in another region who’s conducting the same survey at the “Recipient” end. The recipient’s information will be provided in subsequent communication.
A check for $1850.00 has been issued and should get delivered to you via regular mail within the next 2-5 business days.
Cash the check.
Your income is $150.00 for the survey.
You’re to deduct another $150.00 to cover the transfer charges (Money in Minutes) at the Western Union outlet.
Visit http://www.westernunion.com to locate the nearest Western Union store to your location.
How to rate the Western Union Outlet’s Service:
You’re to rate the Western Union outlet’s service by simply observing and recording the parameters below:
Outlet store address:
Appearance of agent:
Time taken to complete transaction:
Service:
Friendliness:
Efficiency:
Future improvement you would like to see:
Upon completion of the survey you’re to send us an E-mail with your rating of the store/outlet under the parameters above.
Kindly acknowledge the receipt of this email if you fully understand this procedure and will be available to accept the payment.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Verified by Su= rveyPolice
Better Business Patio Builder
PineCone Research is a proud member of the Better Business Bureau!
Sincerely,
PineCone Research
250 East 5th St. 9th Floor,
Cincinnati, OH 45202
PineCone Research Copyright 2012 PineCone Research Foundation
———————————————————————————————————————————————————-
The information contained in this e-mail, and any attachment, is confidential and is intended solely for the use of the
intended recipient. Access, copying or re-use of the e-mail or any attachment, or any information contained therein,
by any other person is not authorized. If you are not the intended recipient please return the e-mail to the sender and
delete it from your computer.
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Good morning,
Thank you for submitting a comment. On the surface, the business hasn’t sent you a fake check and asked you to cash it and send a portion back, however, you don’t know what you would receive if you completed the form. The actual business named PineCone Research Panel states on their website (http://www.pineconeresearch.com/Important%20Security%20Notice.htm) that all communication from them will always be from the email address “scott@pineconeresearch.com”.
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I receive a check to cash couple days ago and they wanted me to cash the check and send a portion back. I was wondering if is a real check or fake check because I took it to the bank and have them look at it because I was going to m y portion and take the rest out but the bank said I could do that until the check is clear because they not sure if is a real check or not so than I didn’t cash the check . I try to cash it at Wal-mart and the check didn’t passed their code so I couldn’t cash it .
So what am I suppose to do ?? Should I just send the check back or should I deposit and wait until is clear and than finish my Evaluation or what should I do?
Thank you.
Mai Vongpanya
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If an unknown entity sends you a check, tells you to cash it and wire/send a portion back, that is a red flag the check is probably not good. You may want to discard the check and not do anything further. As stated in a prior reply, we would recommend you contact a couple different agencies. First, if you received the check through US Mail, you may want to contact the United States Postal Inspector (http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/). They handle any matter of fraud through the US Mail. The Fraud Department at the bank may be interested in investigating this matter. Finally, you may wish to contact your state Attorney General’s office to make them aware of the email/check you have received. Thank you for contacting BBB.
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Oh yeah . I forget to tell you I did receive the same e-mail that everyone here received.
So.. is it just a scam or is it real?
Sorry my spelling is not perfect on my other comment, but I hope you understand what I was saying.
Thank You.
Mai Vongpanya
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Definitely a scam.
Someone has started sending email masked as coming from our legitimate research firm but the actual hidden email sender is pineconerch@aol.com.
We received 5600 email bounces this morning, all appearing to come from our firm, when it has nothing to do with us.
Reporting the issue today. Here’s the message they are sending (masking as from our email address):
““““““““““““““““““““`
Subject line: Survey Invitation For Pinecone Research
Survey Invitation For PineCone Research
Joining a new products panel like PineCone Research™ lets you voice the
opinion of households that are similar to yours. You directly influence
which products get developed and help ensure that these products meet
consumer demands.
Through our business evaluation surveys, we deliver an accurate picture
of the customer experience using on-profile people in real situations to
report on their interaction.
You get paid $150 per survey
It is free to sign up and we are always looking for enthusiastic new
consumers.
Apply to join our panel and get paid to shop, enjoy leisure activities,
or have your say on customer service standards..
===========================
Names:
Address Line 1:
Address Line 2:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Home Phone Number:
Cell / Mobile Phone Number:
===========================
Data Privacy
We Collect personal information solely for internal use in hiring,
paying, and assigning assignments to mystery shoppers. Names, email
addresses, addresses, phone numbers, and other personal information are
Never Released or Sold to third parties
Thank You
Pineone Research
250 East 5th St. 9th Floor,
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Pineone Research 2012©
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You have been invited to participate in our Evaluation Survey !!! ($150 per survey)
PineCone Research assigns over 150,000 in-store surveys each year and has provided business evaluation
services for over 15 years. It is free to sign up and we are always looking for enthusiastic new panelists.
Through our evaluation surveys, PineCone Research delivers an accurate picture of the customer
experience and services using on-profile people in real situations to report on their interaction.
Apply to join our panel and get paid to shop, enjoy leisure activities, or have your say on customer service standards.
If you would like to be considered for assignments, please fill the requested application below:
Full Name:
Address 1:
Address 2:
(optional)
City:
State:
Postal Code:
Home Phone: – –
Cell Phone: – –
Email:
Sincerely,
PineCone Research™
250 East 5th St. 9th Floor,
Cincinnati, OH 45202
PineCone Research™ Copyright 2012 © PineCone Research Founda
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Well i fell for it. A lady who hardly spoke english cashed the check & it bounced. I had no idea this is happening. I feel like an idiot cuz the woman didnt ask a question
Im out 2,000
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I’m sorry to hear of your loss. Please contact the following agencies to make them aware of your experience and they may be able to further investigate the perpetrators.
1. Postal Inspection Service office at 877-876-2455
2. You can also visit http://www.fakechecks.org
3. Your local police department to file a theft by deception report
4. Your state attorney general’s office
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I received the same “Business Evaluation Survey” email. Today, I got a check for $1,850 in the mail, drawn on a bank in Delaware. Last I knew Pinecone Research was based in Cincinnati, OHIO. Not only that, the check was mailed from Oakland, California. I plan on reporting these jerks to not onlt the USPS, but to Western Union, the FTC, and the State Attorney General. It’s time to put these scammers where they belong: out of business and IN JAIL.
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Same here… I received the e-mail and researched. I found out Pinecone Research was a real company and everything seemed legit. I cashed the check and it went through okay, so I assumed it was fine. I am now out $1076. Awesome this happened right before Christmas and 3 days before my mortgage is due.
Don’t fall for this anyone. Wish I would have seen this before I fell for it.
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The chances of recouping the money is very slim, however, we recommend you contact a couple different agencies regarding this matter:
1. Since you received the check through US Mail, you may wish to contact the United States Postal Inspector (http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/). They handle any matter of fraud through the US Mail.
2. The fraud department of the institution through which you sent the $1076 may also be interested in your experience.
3. Contact your local police department to file a report.
4. Your state Attorney General’s office may also be interested in your experience.
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I received the check from that email id too… However i cashed it and it went through and then I waited a couple of days as my child was ill to go to western union and then I logged in to my bank account only to find the check had bounced!!! thank god i didnt lose 1076 dollars!!!
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I received the following tonight – is this legitimate?
Dear Registrant,
Thank you for signing up for the PineCone Research online consumer panel! In order for us to finish processing your registration we have a few additional questions for you. Your prompt response is appreciated and will put you into the queue for your first paid survey.
Your ID number and password and direct link to these questions are included below for your convenience.
and it then give a link and password, etc
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It is hard to say for sure based on the limited information provided in the email — which could be a red flag. We would advise to use extreme caution, especially since they are asking you to click on a link contained in the email. Also, ask yourself if you signed up for any sort of consumer opinion panel. If you didn’t, then it is probably safe to say that it isn’t legitimate.
If you would like to contact our office directly we would be more than happy to discuss this further with you.
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Dear XXX
The check meant to cover the expenses for the survey should be delivering soon, you are required to cash the check and proceed with your first assignment.
Your Immediate Assignment:
Carry out a Secret Survey on the nearest Western Union outlet in your location by forwarding a fixed amount {$1,550.00} to a “Mystery Consumer” in another region who’s conducting the same survey at the “Recipient” end.
Recipient’s Western Union Information:
Names: Jedidah Johnson
City: Chicago
State: IL
Zip Code: 60603
Amount: ($1,550.00)
MTCN: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Your income is $150.00 for the survey.
You’re to deduct another $150.00 to cover the transfer charges (Money in Minutes) at the Western Union outlet.
How to rate the Western Union Outlet’s Service:
You’re to simply rate the Western Union outlet’s service by simply observing and recording the parameters below:
Outlet store Address:
Appearance of Agent:
Time taken to complete Transaction:
Service:
Friendliness:
Efficiency:
Future improvement you would like to see:
Western Union Details After Completing the survey:
Senders Name:
Senders Address:
MTCN:
Amount Sent:
Upon completion of the survey you are to Immediately send us an E-mail with your rating of the outlet and the 10-Digit MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number) Nos of the transaction at Western Union which would be needed by the mystery consumer to complete her survey.
Thanks for your interest and CONFIDENTIAL participation in the Survey. . . we value you, your time, your privacy and opinions.
PineCone Research™ is a proud member of the Better Business Bureau!
PineCone Research™
250 East 5th St. 9th Floor,
Cincinnati, OH 45202
PineCone Research™ Copyright 2012© PineCone Research Foudation
LEGAL NOTICE: The information contained in this transmission is intended only for the individual(s) or entity(ies) to whom it is addressed. It may contain information protected from use and/or disclosure by law, including information that is protected as confidential, attorney-client privileged, attorney work product and/or trade secrets. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the addressee, the reader is hereby notified that any use, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you believe you have received this facsimile or message in error, please immediately notify us at our expense by return mail or e-mail and permanently delete or destroy all copies of the message.
—–Original Message—–
From: XXXX
To:
Sent: Thu, Nov 8, 2012 6:40 pm
Subject: Re: BUSINESS INSIGHTS SURVEY !!
On Nov 8, 2012, at 11:58 AM, “PineCone Research™”
wrote:
> You have been invited to participate in our Insights Survey!!!
Compensation:{$150 per survey}
>
> It is free to sign up and we are always looking for enthusiastic new
valuators.
>
> Joining new products like PineCone Research™ insights lets you voice your
opinion of households
>
> that are similar to yours. You directly influence which products get developed
and help ensure
>
> that these products meets consumer demands.
>
> Through our business valuation surveys, PineCone Research™ delivers an
accurate picture of the
>
> consumer experience using on-profile people in real situations to report on
their interaction.
>
> Apply to join our panel and get paid to shop, enjoy leisure activities, or
have your say on
>
> consumer service standards.
>
>
> To be considered for assignments, please fill the requested application below:
>
> ==================================
>
>
> ==================================
>
>
> Sincerely,
>
> PineCone Research™
> 250 East 5th St. 9th Floor,
> Cincinnati OH 45202
> PineCone Research™ Copyright© 2012 PineCone Research Team.
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If they are sending you a check to cash and then requesting you send them some amount of money through Western Union, do not it. This is a scam. Once you send the money, you will never see it again. There is no survey.
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I’m happy I found this site with all the comments. I received the same message but was hesitant to follow through. Whew!
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I received the same email as all of you today, but the From addressee reads: PineCone Research [scott@pineconeresearch.com].
Anytime anyone asks you to cash a check, keep a portion and wire the rest, it is a SCAM. Seriously, if it were legit, why would they need you to cash a check, and keep a portion?? If they were real, they wouldn’t send large checks, they would ask you to cash a $50 check, pay for the wire out of the $50 and wire the remainder back. What kind of business sense would it be to risk sending someone $3500, what if they didn’t send it back???
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I am so glad I research this. I was so much in need of money, that I was going to actually try this, since I’ve been working with Pinecone research in the passed. Its crazy what people do these days. Thanks for the info.
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Received the exact same email. I have not received a check from this company but my email is identical to Craig’s email. I research Pine Cone and saw that it was a legitimate company and so I knew that the company that sent this email was not the same company and although my email stated the company was a BBB member,when I googled Pine Cone research, the BBB listed the scam that was associated with the imposter Pine Cone Research Company….Thanks for the infor BBB
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I just got a check in the mail today from PineCone Research it shows address of covington ky 41011, but it mailed from Oakland California. The check is for 1220.00 there was no other papers with it and I have not gotten any email saying for me to cash it then send some back. I have made copies of the check and contacted the postal service. And have set aside the envelope as well. My husband wanted to try to deposit it but I am not going for it, I worked in retail banking for years and have seen these things before. Though usually you do get the note asking for you to western union the funds back to them after cashing it.
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I just got the same email this morning and stupidly enough I filled out the information they asked for.. i then started thinking it was strange since I’m not a member of that research company and started researching it and found this page….. I don’t want a check, I don’t want to be a part of this thing, What do I need to do, I don’t want my information I filled in being used in any way to send me anything… I’m so nervous now
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Thank you for your comments. If you are not interested in what they have to offer, do not respond to any emails from them. If they send you a check with instructions, shred the check and don’t do anything further.
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I too recieved the email and completed the form and now have received a check. Having worked with pine cone in the past, I thought nothing of the email, however as soon as I saw the check, I knew something was not right!!!
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If you receive a check shouldn’t you turn it over to authorities?
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Certainly, you may contact the FTC or the U.S Postal Inspection Service.
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I am a member of Pinecone Research and the original scam email I recieved was from: Scott@pineconeresearch.com. That’s why I didn’t even question it. I contacted Karen Scott at PCR and she said it was a scam. I forwarded her the emails for her to see that it was generated from “her” account originally. No response.
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This is still happening. Just found out TODAY that I am a victim of this same scam.
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I’m sorry to hear you were a victim. Contact the U.S. Postal Inspector’s Office and the FTC. You may also want to contact your bank’s fraud division.
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