Wal-Mart or Wal-Mart look alike, new SCAM - 3/21/09

(Copyrighted)

Just a few minutes ago, I received an email from an email address: mailto:survey@walmart.com
Here is the content of the email address:

“----- Original Message -----
From: Wal-Mart
To: author@mastercreditrepair.net
Sent: Saturday, March 21, 2009 1:20 PM
Subject: You have been selected!
You have been selected to access the Walmart 2 Steps Survey and win a $150.00 gift certificate.
Please Click Here and complete the form to receive your reward. Thank you.
This is an automated message. Please don't reply. Message ID: 0019362574-WMRTSRV.”

Knowing that I repeatedly check my facts and write about scams and fraud, I immediately visited the pages and saved every snapshot to make certain that such activity is immediately reported to the FTC and Attorney General offices of all of the states and U.S. A.G.  However, today (being Saturday-3/21/09) I cannot contact the A.G. offices or the office of Consumer Protection at the FTC.  I generally make phone calls instead of writing emails because, I know well that most times emails gets lost as junk mail, ignored, or re-routed to less important staff that, and the end result will loss its importance.  Plus, most times the readers of emails misunderstand the content received.  Believe me, I have done this quite a few times and then I have to call, follow up and explain or trace where the email ended…

The email I receive is very clear.  It asks consumers to go to WAL-MART site (the link provided -NOT a bogus fraudulent site) and perform a survey and click “Continue”.  It will then ASK FOR YOUR CREDIT CARD NUMBER AND INFORMATION (as you have already entered your name and phone number on the first page the survey page). 

I saw several pages of the link I received in order to confirm validity of the site.  Most times if it is made up site (bogus) and is not the original provider (in this case Wal-Mart) then, the links on the site would be dead links or redirected to pages that clearly show deceptions…  However, every link on these pages refers to Wal-Mart and in fact videos of the “Suppliers” also show that it is advertising and selling to/for Wal-Mart.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, if you shop at Wal-Mart, on the upper portion of your purchase receipt it says:
“WE VALUE YOUR OPINION…   http://www.survey.walmart.com   you COULD receive one of FIVE $1000 shopping cards”
This is the same exact web address.  So the email I received COULD NOT be fake.

The bottom line my dear reader is:  The “Survey” is a SCAM.  Whether the site is designed and populated by Wal-Mart or an outsider that wants to scam consumers.  It is A SCAM.

When I called Wal-Mart and asked for the member of management in the Fraud or Internet, I was told to call FTC.  I was brushed off.  That does not leave much room to be desired for a company that wished to present an image of “QUALITY Customer Service” or Customer Protection and says, “WE VALUE YOUR OPINION…”  Ms. Jennifer… at the CS department (800-925-6278 first was planning to take a message (my name, phone number and the issue) to have someone from the “Internet Security” department to return the call.  As soon as I mentioned the email and detailed the concerns, as opposed to jumping the hoop and taking an action, she brushes me off and tells me to call the FTC. What a shame!

Let’s say that the email I received and the entire website created was “fake” and has nothing to do with the true “Wal-Mart.”  REALLY??!!  Let’s also assume that you are a Wal-Mart employee who got on the phone with Mike Samadi who clearly tells you, “I am a consumer advocate.  I write extensive and serious articles about fraud and scam.  I expose companies and people who commit such acts.  I not only contact but also cause investigation of issues through Attorney General offices.  The information referenced on your site is deceiving and causes fraud and scam.”   What would you do as a company representative who your company claims to care for consumers and their protection?  Would you brush the issue off as Ms. Jennifer has done?  Or would you immediately contact your Security Department (whether it is Internet Security, Fraud or any other relevant department) and at least learn about the issue.  OR if the survey is true, then let Samadi know. 

Let’s say that I (Mike Samadi) was making things up.  Would you (as an employee of the company) not care to stop the impact anyway (per chance that I had a valid and legitimate claim)?

Folks.  If the site is truly fake, someone or a group of people spent a lot of time and money to create a site resembling and that ALL its links point to the true Wal-Mart.  Mind you that I used the “customer service” number from that site to contact Wal-Mart and spoke with Jennifer.  Although Wal-Mart has a different site ALSO, which its page contents and headers are different but it would be very difficult for consumer to distinguish (if the site I entered is truly fake).  Let’s NOT forget Wal-Mart stores receipt that directs you to the same web page.   

Anyway.  For your information (FYI), if you receive an email that requires you to perform a survey and you would receive cash or gift, the survey SHOULD NOT ask you for your credit card number and related information.  At the conclusion of survey (if the money is given so freely Jlol ) the method of compensation should be through a paper/company or cashier check, gift-card or sources that would not jeopardize the integrity and security of your personal and financial information.  NEVER provide your SSN, DOB, credit card, check card, saving, checking or any other type of account information (CD, money Market, investment…).  You may provide name, address or a P.O. Box address, but NO OTHER INFORMATION MAY BE ASKED, REQUIRED or needed.

With best wished and care for your protection and security,

Mike Samadi

Any questions?  Go to Q & A of http://www.MasterCreditRepair.net, read and post.  Go to the “Comment” page and post your story or comment.  Your personal information will remain confidential.  Joint my membership club (coming soon).