Bbb News

Confero Reiterates Consumer Warning of Scam Artist Posing as Confero Recruiter in Fake Checks Scam

Oct 19, 2009 by Confero Inc.

Update….
Many consumers have received checks in the mail along with a letter on official-looking Confero letterhead. These are fake.

Confero does not send checks to shoppers as payment to shoppers.

Confero does not issue certified checks for shoppers to use during mystery shops.

Confero does not shop Western Union or Moneygram.

Also, add the names Melissa Cole and Timothy Reeds to the list of fake Confero scheduler names being used.

Most of the fake checks we have been made aware of are drawn on BBVA or Compass Bank. Confero does not have an account with those banks. THE CHECKS ARE FAKE. DO NOT CASH THEM. Click here to see BBVA Bank’s consumer alert about the scam.

As discussed in earlier posts, we have received requests from would-be mystery shoppers asking that we validate the employment of Robert Preston, Micheal Thomforde, James Clayton, Paula Moore, Carlos Burnett, Chris Jordan and now Alexander Hopkins. None of these persons work for Confero. These are made-up names used in official-looking email messages from people trying to scam unsuspecting consumers. Sometimes, the scam emails have been spoofed to look like the message is from Confero and to hide the true origin of the email. Other times, the sender simply pastes the Confero name or website into his or her email message. Either way, these scammers are attempting to fool consumers into thinking they are dealing with Confero.

Persons interested in legitimate mystery shopping may visit the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) website for information about ethical, legitimate mystery shopping companies. Confero is a member of the MSPA. To register your interest to mystery shop for Confero,please visit the Shoppers’ Center tab above for complete details.

If you have fallen victim to this scam, or if you have been contacted by any of these scammers, please file a complaint with

Confero and Better Business Bureau (BBB) Release Mystery Shopping Scam Video

Nov 24, 2009 by Confero Inc.

As a reputable company with 24 years in business, we are always concerned about scams involving mystery shopping. The scam typically plays out like this: the consumer receives a certified check from the bogus mystery shopping company, along with an "assignment" to deposit the check and then send funds via Western Union or Moneygram to a person designated on the assignment. The idea is that Western Union or Moneygram are being "mystery shopped" and the mystery shopper can keep a portion of the check amount. Usually, the certified check amounts are $900-5,000 with shoppers enticed into performing the shop by being allowed to keep anywhere from $300 to $900. Eventually, what happens is that the consumer is notified by his or her bank that the certified check was not good. The full amount of the check is then charged back to the consumer's checking account, leaving the consumer owing the money back to the bank.

Unfortunately, in many scams, the names of real, legitimate mystery shopping companies are used to entice unwitting consumers. Confero was one such legitimate company whose name was forged to be used by a scammer. Confero's President, Elaine Buxton, sat down with the Better Business Bureau of Eastern North Carolina’s Communication and Public Relations Specialist, Courtney Smith on November 18, 2009 to discuss ongoing scams in the mystery shopping industry.

In this video, Elaine discusses the most common mystery shopping scam and what consumers should know about it:

Elaine Buxton Elected To Better Business Bureau Of Eastern North Carolina Board Of Directors

Mar 11, 2010 by Confero Inc.

*Confero, Inc. President Supports Advancing Marketplace Trust*

CARY, N.C. – Confero, Inc. (www.conferoinc.com), a national customer experience measurement firm, has announced that Elaine Buxton, president, has been elected to the Better Business Bureau of Eastern North Carolina’s board of directors. As a member of the board of directors, Buxton will join regional business leaders and work to uphold BBB’s mission to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust by creating a community of trustworthy businesses; setting standards; encouraging and supporting best practices; celebrating marketplace role models; and denouncing substandard marketplace behavior.

“I am excited about serving on the board of directors for the Better Business Bureau of Eastern North Carolina,” said Buxton. “The BBB has been tremendously helpful to Confero. We have been Accredited with BBB for 10 years and have enjoyed significant national growth during that time. Our BBB Accreditation helps our clients and mystery shoppers know that our firm operates with high standards and the best business practices. I am honored to have the opportunity to give back to the BBB.”

DETAILS: – To accomplish its mission, the Better Business Bureau of Eastern North Carolina commits to the following values to guide its decisions and behavior: excellence, integrity, teamwork, trust and respect. For more information, visit www.easternnc.bbb.org.