By Heather Canter

Earn $500 for sending money through Western Union or a MoneyGram. Sound too good to be true? That's

because it is.

Area residents should be on the look out for any secret shopper or paid surveys that sound like easy money. In most cases it is a scam and one that could cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

A local resident received a letter from Dynamic Research Services of Douglasville, Ga. along with a check for $3,499. The check looks very real and the letter seems legitimate; however, upon closer inspection and with a little investigation, we were able to determine that it was a scam.

The letter reads, "This is to inform you that based on previous survey by our affiliate Consumer Survey Specialist you indicated to be interested in additional income on part-time basis."

The letter goes on to indicate that the resident would serve as a secret shopper or consumer service evaluator. It says it is a fully paid program and will become a permanent full-time position for a select few.

One of the first signs of trouble is where the letter insists that you must keep this confidential. The lack of spell check also gives a hint as to trouble when it mentions JC Penny (should be Penney) and Alberton (which should be Albertson's.)

The letter goes on to say, "The first evaluation will take place at any Western Union or MoneyGram location. The objective of this assignment will be to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the payment system called Western Union or any specified Financial Institution. The second evaluation will take place in one of these locations JC Penny, Wal-Mart, Denny's Restaurant, Macy's or Alberton. The objective of this assignment will be to evaluate how you were treated as a customer or shopper by the employee of the visited store or business."

The letter was mailed from Canada and the Western Union or MoneyGram is to be sent to a person in London. The company's letterhead says it is located in Douglasville, Ga. Having all these different locations hints at more trouble.

When searching on 411.com, the street address for the business doesn't come up as an actual location and the company isn't listed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). It is always a good idea to check with the BBB if you have a question or doubt about a business.

The telephone number listed on the letter doesn't come back to a street address and was actually found to be a cell phone. Most legitimate businesses are required to have a business phone.

Residents should watch out for letters and checks like this and be sure who they're dealing with in any business dealings. Be aware that if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is when it comes to easy money.