Scam Alert!

Scammer uses name of L&E Research™

Raleigh, NC- L & E Research™, Inc. cautions the general public to be alert to a scam which unlawfully uses its name. L & E Research™ was recently notified of letters received by targeted victims nationwide.

How the scam works

The letters indicate that L&E Research™ is the leading provider of Mystery Shopping Services and solicits recipients for part time employment as a Mystery Shopper. Included in the mailing is a check for a large sum of money which is said to be the required funds necessary to complete the first week’s assignment, including the first week’s payment for services rendered. The recipient is instructed to pose as a potential customer at a nearby Western Union agent location and send a lesser amount than the amount of the check to one of two training agents. The goal of the scam is to steal money. Possible theft may occur when innocent victims deposit the check into their banking accounts, then immediately withdraw and wire a slightly lesser amount of money before the check is discovered to be fraudulent, which means they just wired their personal funds. Or, the victims are asked to provide personal banking information to a “coordinator” by calling the phone number provided in the letter, thus giving the thieves access to their bank account.

Please protect yourself

L & E Research™ never asks anyone for personal information, such as social security numbers or bank account information, and will never ask anyone to participate in one of our studies without calling you to verify your participation. We strongly encourage people to protect themselves against this fraudulent scam as well as any questionable letters bearing the L & E Research™ name. Information about L & E Research™, its services, and FAQs can be found at www.leresearch.com , as well as through the Better Business Bureaus of Eastern North Carolina and Tampa, FL.