Secret shoppers are being recruited in Selma. Unfortunately, the only ones being paid are the people behind the scams.

When Selma resident Sheree Story received a check in the mail for $1,996.43 from the Bartech Group to work as a secret shopper, she said several things about the proposition did not add up.

“I received the check in the mail and it looked like an actual, legitimate check,” she said. “I got suspicious, so I called and they were very vague. They told me to deposit the check and Western Union the money and then they would give me the details.”

Story said she called the Alabama Center for Consumer Affairs who verified the bank and company were a fraud.

They also told her that because the scam is run from another country it is hard for the federal government to monitor.

The Federal Trade Commission lists several warning signs for these scams. According to www.ftc.gov, consumers should be skeptical of mystery shopper promoters who advertise in a newspapers “help wanted” section or through e-mail, sell certification and guarantee jobs as a mystery shopper.

The site also says companies should not charge a fee for access to mystery shopping opportunities or sell directories of companies that provide mystery shoppers.

Those who feel they have been scammed can visit www.BetterBusinessBereau.com and click the file a complaint menu, or the FTC site.

Consumers are also advised to take the same action Story did and contact the state Attorney General’s office at (334) 242-7333 or 1-800-392-5658.