Want to Be a Mystery Shopper? Don’t Get Left Holding the Bags
Article by PSECU's Loss Prevention & Security Unit
It seems like a fun and easy way to pick up some extra spending money - be a "Mystery Shopper" for a business! Legitimate companies often hire people to shop in their store to provide valuable feedback about the level of customer service their establishment provides. The person receives payment for the assignment and is reimbursed for the purchases he or she has made.
But before you agree to be anyone's "Secret Shopper," make sure you do your homework and keep your eyes wide open. Fraudsters, always looking for new opportunities, have concocted a scheme that could leave you holding the bag!
Here's how it can happen:
- The job seeker either answers an ad soliciting secret shoppers or posts a resumé online with a job search company.
- In response, the applicant receives an employment package consisting of an evaluation form, a training assignment, a code of ethics and a cashier's check totaling a few thousand dollars.
- Once approved as a shopper, he or she is frequently given a 48-hour deadline to complete the assignment.
- The shopper is instructed to cash the check and then wire the funds to an address listed in the training package. Generally the address is out of the country.
- The shopper is to then evaluate the services by completing the evaluation form.
In reality the check is fraudulent and bounces after the shopper has wired the funds. The hapless "mystery shopper" is then left with the burden of repaying their financial institution for the bad check.
Many consumers incorrectly assume that if funds are available from a deposited check that it automatically means the check is valid. Federal regulations require financial institutions to make the funds from cashier's, certified or teller's checks available in one to five days. Therefore, funds from counterfeited checks are often available before the checks have been honored by the paying bank.
Remember:
- Anyone can place a newspaper advertisement.
- It's always a good idea to check out the company with the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.
- A legitimate company will never send you a cashier's check with instructions to wire funds to someone you don't know.
- Be wary of companies that require you to pay a fee for access to secret shopping job opportunities. Check the company's address. Avoid companies located outside the U.S.
- Do not rely on the fact that the check was accepted for deposit by your financial institution as evidence that the check is good. Technology allows high quality forgeries to be produced, making detection more difficult.
- Members are responsible for the checks deposited to his or her financial institution's account.
If you've been victimized by a secret shopper scam, report it to:
- The Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov or call 877.FTC.HELP (877.382.4357).
- The Postal Inspectors - Call your local post office and ask to speak to a Postal Inspector or visit their Web site at http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov.
- Your state's consumer protection agency. Find the contact information for the agency or bureau on your state's attorney general's Web site. Visit www.naag.org for a complete listing of attorney general's offices.
Remember, anytime a cashier's check is sent to you with the request to cash it and wire some of the funds to someone else, you can be assured it's a scam and the check is fraudulent. And, since you are required to repay your financial institution for any loss as a result - the funds are coming from your pocket. Be skeptical and don't become a victim.