BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The local Better Business Bureau said check scams are on the rise. It said it's received seven reports of check scams this week alone.

Last week, Mavis Pritzkau got a nearly $2,500 check in the mail to be a mystery shopper for a research group. According to the letter, Mavis was to cash the check, keep some for herself and use the rest to shop at major businesses to evaluate their customer service.

"Well, I figured it was a scam anyway when I saw it. I thought 'Nobody's going to send me money and besides, they said they got my name from a recent job application list, and I haven't worked in four years and don't plan on working," said Pritzkau.

Not only that, but Pritzkau would also have to wire $1,800 back to the supposed research group as part of evaluating Western Union's customer service. Connie Alarcon of the BBB says that should be the biggest red flag. "You shouldn't have to wire money anywhere," said Alarcon.

Also, "No company is going to send you a check for a large amount of money before services are rendered," said Alarcon.

Other flags ABC 23 noticed were the address on the letterhead is from New Jersey, but the envelope came from Canada. And company logos at the bottom of the letter seem to be scanned and stretched out. Alarcon and Pritzkau said scammers are using the tough economy and high unemployment rate to prey on the public.

"With the economy the way it is right now, many people would just jump at the chance to get a check in the mail and cash it. Then they don't have the money to cover it but the little money they do have," said Pritzkau's husband, Richard.

Not only would you lose $1,800 from the money you wire, but you'd get stuck with all the purchases you make and a bounced check fee from the bank among other possible fees.

ABC 23 called the supposed research company to ask if it's a scam.

The man on the phone was persistent in saying the company was real. Alarcon said scammers are also persistent.

"Closer to the holidays, we'll get more of these," warned Alarcon. "That's crazy. It's scary to get stuff like this," said the Pritzkaus.

The Better Business Bureau said you can verify the check by going to the bank where it was issued from and ask them to verify it for you. They should be able to do it on the spot.