Commonwealth Attorney Gail Guiling wants to warn citizens of a scam that is circulating in the area. The scam was brought to her attention recently by an individual who was sent two letters with checks inside from two different companies. It is not known at this time if they are from the same source.

“People really need to be aware that there are those out there who will try to take advantage of you,” said Guiling, who has spoken to the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office about the scam. Unfortunately, the AG’s Office has a file a mile long with complaints from those who have been scammed. “The AG’s Office said this type of scam is one of the two biggest scams going around,” said Guiling, speaking of the letter scam.

The complaint Guiling was made aware of involved a gentleman who received letters asking him to be a “Mystery Shopper” from what she believes are fictitious companies. The letters and checks that accompanied them look very legitimate and professional. One was from a supposed company called Global Test Market and the other was from Carlson Solutions Inc. But it is suspected these scams use numerous names. One letter held a check for $1,290.06 and the other for $985.

The recipient, who did not bite, but instead brought it to the attention of Guiling, was asked to become a “Mystery Shopper” and was told he would be paid for the service. They made promises of payment and claimed the check sent would cover the participation for the first week and the expenses that would be incurred. They asked for the participant to call them and listed two numbers.

Guiling said the AG’s Office recommends never to call the numbers. She said the scammers are so good at what they do they will talk you into doing things and giving information you should not. Guiling said people need to listen to the old adage, “If it’s to good to be true, it is.”

Most likely, no one is going to offer you money and ask you to pay them something back. You should never on any circumstance give out personal information such as name, address, telephone number or bank account information over the phone.

Another old adage is, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”