Imagine getting a check for $1,100 out of the blue and being asked to buy gift cards—that's exactly what these texts are pushing. The pattern ties back to a single individual, Derek Terpstra, who claims a "secret shopper" gig for Whole Foods Market, but the details (misspelled brand names, unsolicited checks) scream scam. Never cash a check you didn’t request; banks will later reverse it and you could face fees or criminal liability. Preserve the message, block the number, and report the incident to the FTC, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, and your local postal inspector. Stay skeptical and protect your finances.
The matter will now be forwarded to the relevant authorities, such as the Postal Inspectors, for further investigation.
I also recieved a check from Derek and subsequenly forwarded it to the FBI's fraud unit for investigaton.
I received a similar call, with the name 'Derek Terpstra' attached, and the company name 'Whole Foods Market' spelled correctly.
If the number that texted you was indeed 6156841399, then it's puzzling why you posted in this thread about calls and texts from that specific number.
After receiving a text that seemed appealing, I decided to look into it further, only to find that it doesn't seem legitimate.
Recently received a call from this number on September 26, 2021.
I appreciate the heads-up, as I was about to receive a packet from this entity; it's sobering to realize my initial inclination to consider this legitimate was misguided.
I also received a message from this number, which was sent to a group chat that included me and 15 other recipients.
I recieved a offer via text and a packet in the mail, the diffrence was the phone number and a check from a bank in maryland
The application apparently requests certain information.
This is the number i recieved a text from, it seems suspicious
A scam attempt was received, featuring a Whole Foods theme and a list of other numbers, which will be reported and warned against.
Similar to previous reports, a text message was received about a secret shopping opportunity for Whole Foods, but the accompanying letter mentioned Nike, raising suspicions.
The call will defintly bounce
Filing reports with the state Attorney General and FBI is recommended for instances of phishing scams and unemployment insurance fraud
The experience is identical.
Derek Terpstra sent a package containing instructions for a task that required purchasing gift cards worth $1,100, scratching off the back, and taking pictures, with promises of a $200 bonus for completion within 6 to 12 hours, which seemed suspicious and was reported to the corporate office.
Apparently, lastname telemarketing scams often involv bogus checks and thats exacly what i recieved, it didnt even lokk teal
Identical to the scam reported by Red above.
I recieved a check and letter from New Orleans, the check was from Miami, it seemed fishy, they wanted me to buy Nike gift cards, i feel bad for the people who fall for this, i think i origionally got an email about secret shopping.
I appreciate the provided advice
When considering cashing a check, it's crucial to factor in the fees associated with processing, as banks typically make funds available immediately but take several days to fully process, and attempting to cash a bad check can lead to criminal charges and additional fees.
I'm actualy considering dooing that, and taking action against these unwanted callz.
It seems pointless to respond since it will likely be rejected.
Has ennybody tried to cash the check, or is it just a scam?
A text messsage was recieved asking if I wanted to be a secreat shopper, sounds like a posible scam
Reporting scam calls to organizations such as the BBB or the police may be ineffective, as they may not be able to take action.
I've already reported this to the police department, but i dont think they've taken any action, so my next step is to contact the Better Business Bureau
Having experienced a similar situation, I'm now looking into it further after providing the required information, and it's crucial to consider whether there's cause for concern
Be cautious, as this is a known scam involving gift cards, which can lead to financial loss and potential legal issues.