Source: David Lazarus, LA Times ( Free Registration )

At first, Los Angeles resident Wanita Holmes thought it was her lucky day.

“You are hereby selected to participate in a paid Consumer Research Program in your area of residence as a ‘Mystery Shopper,’ “ the letter began, adding that the assignment could turn into a full-time gig “for a selected few who are able to distinguish themselves in the course of this program.”

Enclosed was a check for $3,950, to be used to buy things at well-known merchants such as Wal-Mart and to test “the effectiveness and efficiency” of money-transfer services such as Western Union and MoneyGram.

Read Full Article: Fake-check scams can be stamped out