The Delaware State Police are issuing the following advisory in response to the recent reappearance of the Mystery Shopper Scam. This is a general awareness advisory applicable statewide. The following tips and information will help you avoid falling victim to this specific scam.

What is Mystery Shopping?

Some retailers hire companies to evaluate the quality of service in their stores and they often use mystery shoppers to get that information. They instruct a mystery shopper to make a particular purchase in a store or restaurant, and then report on the experience. Typically, the shopper is reimbursed and can keep the product or service. Sometimes the shopper receives a small payment, as well.

Many professionals in the field consider mystery shopping a part-time activity, at best. These opportunities generally are posted online by marketing research or merchandising companies.

Don’t Pay to Be a Mystery Shopper

Dishonest promoters use newspaper ads and emails to create the impression that mystery shopping jobs are a gateway to a high-paying job with reputable companies. They often create websites where you can “register” to become a mystery shopper, but first you have to pay a fee — for information about a certification program, a directory of mystery shopping companies, or a guarantee of a mystery shopping job.

It is not necessary to pay anyone to get into the mystery shopper business. The certification offered is almost always worthless. A list of companies that hire mystery shoppers is available for free, and legitimate mystery shopper jobs are listed on the internet for free. If you try to get a refund from the promoters, you will be out of luck. Either the business won’t return your phone calls, or if it does, it’s to try another pitch.

Don’t Wire Money

You may have heard about people who are “hired” to be mystery shoppers, and told that their first assignment is to evaluate a money transfer service, like Western Union or MoneyGram. The shopper receives a check with instructions to deposit it in a personal bank account, withdraw the amount in cash, and wire it to a third party. The check is a fake.

By law, banks must make the funds from deposited checks available within days, but uncovering a fake check can take weeks. It may seem that the check has cleared and that the money has posted to the account, but when the check turns out to be a fake, the person who deposited the check and wired the money will be responsible for paying back the bank.

It’s never a good idea to deposit a check from someone you don’t know and then wire money back.

Tips for Finding Legitimate Mystery Shopping Jobs 

Don’t do business with mystery shopping promoters who:

• Advertise for mystery shoppers in a newspaper’s ‘help wanted’ section or by email.
• Require that you pay for “certification.”
• Guarantee a job as a mystery shopper.
• Charge a fee for access to mystery shopping opportunities.
• Sell directories of companies that hire mystery shoppers.
• Ask you to deposit a check and wire some or all of the money to someone.

If you’re looking for legitimate mystery shopping jobs, check out the Mystery Shopping Providers Association for a database of authentic companies. But if you spot any scams, report them to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint and your local police.

These tips have been provided by the Federal Trade Commission. Click on the following link to view further information: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/07/mystery-shop-til-you-drop-not-so-fast

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Heather Pepper

Released:111819 1900

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Wilmington – The Delaware State Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 28 year old, Ebkiesha N. Hargrow of Wilmington, who is wanted in connection with an organized retail crime ring that has targeted businesses throughout New Castle County.

Since December 2018 up until the present time, Hargrow has committed multiple thefts at retail locations throughout New Castle County in which she shoplifted large quantities of merchandise with the intent of re-selling the stolen property. Hargrow, who has remained at large since August, also has ties to the Philadelphia area.

Warrants are currently on file charging Hargrow with the following crimes:

• Theft (Organized Retail Crime)
• Receiving Stolen Property
• Selling Stolen Property
• Identity Theft
• Forgery 2^nd Degree
• Offering a False Instrument for Filing
• Tampering with a Witness
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree

Anyone with information regarding Hargrow’s whereabouts are asked to contact Cpl. M. Fiore at Troop 6 by calling 302-633-5000 or by calling 911.

Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:111819 1500

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Claymont – The Delaware State Police are continuing to investigate the armed robbery of a Claymont area check cashing business that occurred in late October and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect.

The original incident occurred at approximately 8:00 a.m., Sunday, October 20, 2019 at the United Check Cashing, located at 333 Naaman’s Rd., Claymont. The pictured suspect, who was in possession of a handgun, confronted an employee and demanded access behind the sales counter. The employee complied with the demand and once behind the counter the suspect removed an undisclosed amount of cash from the register. After obtaining the money the suspect fled in a dark colored, sport utility vehicle. The employee was not injured as a result of the incident.

At the time of the incident the suspect was described as a black male, approximately 30 years of age, 5’11” tall and weighing 200 lbs. He had his face covered with a dark fabric cloth and was in possession of a black handgun.

Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity is asked to contact Detective B. McDerby of the Troop 2 Robbery Unit by calling 302-365-8436.

http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us. 

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:111819 1318

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Newark, Delaware –  The Delaware State Police are releasing the name of the tractor-trailer driver who died in a crash on Sunday, November 17, 2019, on (I-95) John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway south of DE 273 and north of the Delaware Service Center as 65-year-old Gary J. Buffalino of Centereach, New York.

The crash continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.

*UPDATE* Troopers Investigating Fatal Crash on I-95 Southbound – Newark

*Traffic Advisory* Tractor-Trailer Crash Causes Lane Closures on I-95 – Newark

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 111819 1040

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Newark, Delaware – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 8:49 a.m. Sunday, November 17, 2019, on southbound (I -95) John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway south of DE 273 and north of the Delaware Service Center.

The initial investigation has determined a 2013 Honda Pilot, operated by a 51-year-old female of Woodbridge, Virginia, was traveling in the right thru lane of southbound I-95 between DE 273 and the Delaware Service Area.  A 2014 Volvo Tractor Trailer, operated by a 65-year-old male of Centereach, New York, was traveling southbound I-95 initially in the left thru lane, a few car lengths ahead of the Honda Pilot. For unknown reasons the tractor-trailer suddenly began drifting to the right in one continuous motion across all three of the southbound lanes. When the tractor-trailer entered the right thru lane, the right side rear of the trailer sideswiped the driver’s side of the Honda Pilot. The tractor-trailer then exited the roadway down a slight embankment and continued into a wooded area. The tractor-trailer struck several standing trees before it came to rest. The operator of the tractor-trailer was ejected from his vehicle after striking the final tree. The Honda Pilot came to a controlled stop along the shoulder.

The driver of the tractor-trailer, not properly restrained, was pronounced deceased at the collision scene. He was the sole occupant in the tractor-trailer. Impairment on his behalf is undetermined at this time. The identification of the victim is pending notification of next of kin.

The operator of the SUV, the sole occupant in her vehicle, was properly restrained.  She was treated and released at the collision scene.

Three of the four southbound lanes of I-95 were closed for approximately 5 1/2 hours as the scene was investigated and cleared. The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit will further investigate this collision.

*Traffic Advisory* Tractor Trailer Crash Causes Lane Closures on I-95 – Newark

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. D. Alexander of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-365-8437. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released:111719 1725

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Dover, Delaware – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a shooting incident that occurred yesterday morning.

The preliminary investigation has determined that on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at approximately 10:30 a.m., a call was made to 9-1-1 by a local area hospital reporting a shooting incident. Troopers responded to the hospital and contacted a 38-year-old male victim of Dover who had sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound. It was learned the victim was transported to the hospital by a privately owned vehicle. It was also reported to have occurred in the area of South State Street near Lakeland Avenue, Dover.

Further investigation into this incident revealed that the victim was walking northbound on South State Street and was approached by black males walking southbound on South State Street. As they walked past the victim, words were exchanged and the victim heard one gunshot which struck him.

The suspects were described as black males.

This investigation is active and ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Troop 3, Camden at (302) 697-4454 or Detective J. Dear at 302-698-8540.  Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 111719 1000

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Newark (19713)- The Delaware State Police are currently on scene of a crash that occurred at approximately 8:49 a.m., involving a Tractor Trailer and a small SUV. The crash occurred on I-95 southbound north of the Service Center south of SR 273, Newark.

I-95 southbound three right lanes are closed with left lanes open.

Motorists will experience delays in the area and are advised to seek alternate routes of travel.

For updated traffic conditions and road closure information log on to: http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/index.shtml#advisories.

The investigation is in the early stages with further details being released as they become available.

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 111719 0930

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Dover– The following are not wanted. These are Homeless Sex Offender Public Notifications. If you have information that any of the listed subjects are occupying a residence, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 111519 1840

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Smyrna- The Delaware State Police are investigating an armed robbery that took place at a liquor store last evening.

The incident occurred on November 14, 2019 at approximately 7:15 p.m., when Troopers responded to the Spruance City Liquor store located at 625 Smyrna Clayton Boulevard, Smyrna, in reference to an armed robbery.  Upon arrival, Troopers met with a male employee who advised that an unknown male suspect had entered the store.  The suspect approached the employee and pointed a handgun at him, while demanding money.  The employee turned over an undisclosed amount of cash prior to the suspect fleeing the store. The employee was not injured as a result of this incident.

The suspect was described as a black male, wearing dark clothing and a dark colored mask.  He was armed with what appeared to be a silver and black colored handgun, and is believed to have fled on foot.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Troop 3, Criminal Investigations Unit, Detective Weinstein at 302-697-4454. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 111519 0911

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Wilmington- The Delaware Division of Forensic Science has officially classified the death of 50 year old Susan M. Ledyard of Wilmington as a homicide, due to blunt force trauma and drowning. The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit and the Troop 2 Major Crimes Unit  are continuing to actively investigate the incident. There is no further information to release at this time.

Click on the following links to view related releases:

State Police Conducting Death Investigation – Wilmington

*UPDATE* Delaware State Police Conducting Death Investigation – Wilmington

Information may be provided by contacting Detective D. Grassi of the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit by calling 302-365-8441 or Detective A. Lloyd of the Troop 2 Major Crimes Unit at 302-365-8411.

Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:111419 1010

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