Are Mystery Shopper Scams Getting Sneakier?
I ran across a story about a secret shopper scam with a new twist. If true, it means that mystery shopper scammers are trying to get ahead of the curve to continue their schemes as more people get wise to them. However, I suspect that this story may not be exactly as it appears.
Here is the story about a secret shopper scam that appeared on a Wisconsin television station. According to the report, a woman signed up to be a mystery shopper and completed some price audits. She was paid $10 to $20 for each of them. Fairly common, right?
According to the news story, after doing several of these audits over the course of six to eight months, the company for which she had been working sent her a check for $1975, telling her to keep $100 or so for her fee, and to wire most of the money to someone. You know how this ends, right? Of course, the check she received was fraudulent, and she was out the money.
It is possible it happened exactly as stated in the report: A scammer actually made several small payments to a potential victim to convince her that she was working for them as a mystery shopper, so that she would not question it when they sent her a large check and told her to wire money somewhere. However, I doubt that.
Why would scammers spend so much time (and work that hard) over the course of six to eight months for $1500 or so, when there are still people lining up every day to fall for their scams without all that effort? That makes me think that the story is not exactly as it appears.
My theory? I think the victim signed up as a mystery shopper and was doing some actual mystery shopping jobs for a real company. When the check showed up, she assumed that it was from one of the companies for which she had been working.
Many scammers use the names of legitimate companies when they run their scams, and the names of many mystery shopping companies are very similar. It would be easy to confuse them if you are not paying attention.
The most important thing to remember is that NO MYSTERY SHOPPING COMPANY WILL ASK YOU TO CASH A LARGE CHECK AND WIRE MONEY TO SOMEONE. It is always a scam.
What else could this woman have done to avoid getting scammed? If something is out of the ordinary, check it out. Most mystery shopping assignments are made over the Internet. If you have been getting assignments via a website and suddenly something shows up in the mail, contact the company and ask about it. And do not use the contact information in the mailing. Go online and look up the company to find out if the legitimate company is the one that sent the mailing.
Not sure what the real company website should be? Check to see if they are members of the Mystery Shopping Providers Association. There are links to member companies there. Or check this list of legitimate mystery shopping companies.
Likewise, if you have been dealing with schedulers at a company and suddenly get an email from someone claiming to be with that company but using an email address at Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail or some other service, it is probably not legitimate. Mystery shopping companies and their representatives tend to use the email addresses associated with their company websites, not free services such as Gmail.
Another out of the ordinary thing about this assignment was the pay. She was offered at least $100 for a simple shop, when she had been receiving $10 – $20. Huh? What’s up with that? Something sounds fishy.
Keep track of where you have applied and which companies you have worked with. Do not assume that when a possible assignment comes to you, it is from the company you know and trust. Many of these names sound similar: Mystery Shoppers Something, Something Secret Shoppers, Customer Service Whatever…
Do not become so excited by the possibility of making a couple of hundred dollars that you allow yourself to be scammed out of thousands. Be vigilant.
on November 29th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
I can confrim what you just said about a scam. I received in my mail yesterday a check for 1870.00 from a company that stated they were a secret shopper employment agent. I am to cash the check and sent 1200 of it western union to some address in hong kong….I can’t find the company name on the check listed and the bank it is suppose to be drawn from isn’t real.
I get emails to from people I have never heard of telling me they are from the FBI or an overseas bank and they have money for me if i would just give them the following info. I send the emails to the scam folder and the letter I received yesterday will be going to the post master general. So deffently beware of any company that sends you money in the form of a check or money order and wants you to send them the majority back in cash.
on January 5th, 2010 at 1:23 am
I was searching job listing when I noticed a posting for a secret shopper. I applied and received an email stating my application was accepted. The first assignment I received in an email was the one listed below. It’s hard to believe someone would actually follow these instructions and do this sort of thing. I was just surprised that the company was actually listed on a job site.
Hi,
You have been appointed to run a survey on a location in your area.
Location: Western Union Point
Company :CASH PLUS #103
Address:1052 W Alameda Ave
Burbank, California 91506
Western Union has reported a laps in the services of their Management and some of their staffs,
Their complains were based on reports which their customers forwarded anonymously and Phone calls which were also made to the head office.
The Western union location was reported for evaluation for the following reasons
:Slow services
:Unbalanced exchange rate
Your Secret Evaluation would be
1) To make a transfer of fund from this western union location to our Mystery shopper in Texas
2) You would have to record the time at which you go to the location and how many minutes it took you to get service.
You will be sent a check of ($2,300) via fedex courier which would cover your payment of $200 for the duty. As soon as you receive the payment( Certified bank of america check) in the mail, deduct your $200.00, and use the rest of the money for the services.
The location has been attached above, together with the recipients information which is listed below. You would have to keep a comprehensive report on every activity you carry out with the name of the attendant attached to your report.
Do not forget to include all the transaction information, that is the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) as given to you by the western union attendant and also the amount sent.
RECIPIENT INFORMATION WHERE FUND IS TO BE SENT TO
NAME: Tanika york
CITY: houston
STATE: texas
ZIP CODE: 77035
Thanks
NB: Please get back to us when you recieve this email, also include any questions you might have.
Thanks
Edward Jones
Mystery Shopper Agency
USA Office
on January 5th, 2010 at 10:40 am
Most job sites do not review ads before they are posted. In fact, I had a story a while back about a mystery shopper scam ad on a state job board.
I would hope that most people would question this based on the grammar, if nothing else.
on January 29th, 2010 at 9:13 am
It’s not just the grammar. Whoever wrote this doesn’t even seem to know the rules of capitalization!
on January 29th, 2010 at 10:12 am
;o) If scammers could write, maybe they could find other jobs.
on June 30th, 2010 at 9:08 am
i have two money orders sent to me from a secret shopper.i wrot back to tell this person that i would be no part of this an do not send me no check i told him i would not cash this money oders. well they ups it to my address . i have wrote many time as to where to send this back.i’m not going to be a part of something ilegal.what do you do with these money there are two for over 900.00 each. thanks vickie walker
on June 30th, 2010 at 9:17 am
The money orders are worthless. You can throw them away, shred them, set fire to them…whatever you want to do. Don’t spend another minute thinking about them. Get rid of them and move on. Glad you didn’t get caught up in the scam.
on July 9th, 2010 at 11:21 am
i just got an email, which i deleted it states:
Introduction
————-
Feedplus Secret Shopper is a venture that checks reputable companies performance
and services,We are registered and established in America for a long while
now,Feedplus Secret Shopper® is accepting applications from qualified
individuals to become mystery shoppers. It’s fun and rewarding, and you choose
when and where you want to shop.There is no charge to become a shopper and you
do not need previous experience. After you sign up,you will have access to
training materials via e-mail, fax or postal mail.
One amongst many others pay for Secret Shoppers to shop in their establishments
and report their experiences.On top of being paid for shopping you are also
allowed to keep purchases for free. Secret Shopper® never charge fees to the
shopper,training,tips for improvement, and shopping opportunities are provided
free to registered shoppers.
Assignments Example
——————————-
Secret Shopper has available for immediate assignment an inspection of the
customer service of any Wal-mart in your area. This fee will be paid
upfront.During this shopping you will visit the location and make several
observations as regards the customer service.
*You will be required to interact with the shop clerk.
*You may conduct the shop alone or as a couple.
*We will pay $300.00/ Assignment
Interested Shopper need to kindly fill Out the application form below and we
will get back to you shortly with more information,and be advise that you need
to be checking your mail at least once or twice everyday.If you fail to respond
to any mail for more than 24 hrs you will miss your assignment.
First Name……..Last Name
Street Address ……………
City, State, Zip Code ……….
Cell Phone Number ………
Home Phone Number ………
Age ………
Current Occupation ………
Alternate Email Address ………..
* this is a REAL email from im assuming a scammer!*
i am not even a mysteryshopper yet, but i am interested in becoming one, and not sure if i want to deal with all of the scams for a buck, haha~
on September 11th, 2010 at 12:44 am
Would you give a stranger money and ask them to wire transfer to someone else? If you answered no, then what makes you different? No one is going to send you money for no reason. You need to work for your money. I got 2 checks in amount of $975.00 each. Same thing, he wanted me to wire transfer to some guy in SPAIN that’s red flag #1. He must think I’m stupid because on the money order it shows someone in my hometown issued the money order but the address it has on the money order is the address of a Travel Lodge red flag #2 and the letter has a label stating it shipped from Maryland red flag #3. Company name J AND J LLC 5179 ELIOTS OAK RD COLUMBIA RD sent by JAMES W JONES. He also text me to make sure I got the letter and the # that appears on my phone is 924-665-01 red flag #4 these are ghost #s so that you can’t call them. The name of the person who e-mailed me is Donald Anderson and his e-mail address are ddanderson818@gmail.com, ddanderson818@aol.com. Really, Donald, do you think I was going to fall for this? Just remember, what goes around comes around. KARMA will come get you harder then what you have done to others.
on October 6th, 2010 at 8:52 am
My wife just received a check in the mail for almost $4000, along with a letter that basically says they’re going to offer her a position as a secret shopper if she’s able to complete the task of wiring 2 different people the majority of it, and we get to keep $390 of it as our cut. The check shows it’s on a Bank Of American account, the letter was postmarked Metro Georgia, and the company is out of New York State.
My advice – if someone is willing to send you money in return for you sending someone else money, it’s a hoax and if you deposit the check, you’ll get burned.
on October 6th, 2010 at 9:10 am
Yes, this is always a scam. Always. No matter what they say or how real the checks appear to be.
on January 31st, 2011 at 1:24 pm
I have received $2,900,796.00 so far in past 5 years for “secret shopper” and not one penny any good ~~~ NOT ONE CASHED ~~~ If I can keep just one check away from someone who might get caught in this SCHEME
on January 31st, 2011 at 1:49 pm
Gee, I am feeling left out! I never get checks from the scammers. ;o) Sounds like you have enough to wallpaper the bathroom. Glad you are wise to the scam.
on May 6th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
Thank you guys you just saved me from being scam. I got the same email as Laura.
on May 8th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
I actually had the scam from that Donald Anderson. I received a random money order in the mail. Of course, I did not cash it. The following day, I received a text message asking why my report had not been completed. I asked the person what shop and it was for the money order. After texting back and forth, I finally told the person if they wanted to discuss further that they had to call me. They actually called me and when I told them to send me a call tag for the money order, they threatened me with calling the fbi and suing me. For not excepting a mystery shop, this company is trying all the stuff. If you see anything from Donald Anderson, ignore it.
on August 11th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
Wow.. i wonder if i am already in it too deep. i found a job on Craigslist and i was iffy about whether or not i should even contact them about it because they did not even provide the name of the business it just read “Immediate CSR positions open”. And “immediate” was not even spelled correctly(immeadiate). So i decided it would not hurt to inquire about the position. I asked them if i could learn more about the positions available and they sent me the same things they sent Laura. I noticed the bad grammar and poor punctuation, but I am in desperate need of a job and figured I had nothing to lose, so i gave it a try. I didnt think it would be too bad because I didn’t give them any info too personal (ssn, credit/debit card numbers). But I have yet to hear anything back from them and they told me to be expecting some specific instructions in the mail.. I’m not exactly sure what to do. Should i be worried??
on August 11th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
Here is another job posting I applied to the other day and I am wondering if this may also be a scam. Someone please read it and let me know what you think:
Hello,
I will be glad to hear from you in regards to the Business Assistant position. I would love to meet up with you to talk about this job but I am currently away on a business trip but there is a test which i will like you to go through because i need a capable Personal Assistant.I am in Germany so there will be no interview except for the form you will fill below.
1.Have you ever worked as a Personal Assistant ?
2.Can you communicate effective and efficiently?
3.Will you be able to run errands 2 hours per day for and will be
needed 3 days per week?
I will prepay you in advance to do my shopping. I will also have my mails and packages forwarded to your address. If you will be unable to stay at your house to get my mails, I can
have it shipped to a post office near you and then you can pick it up at your convenience.When you get my mails/packages; you are required to mail them to where I want them mailed to. You don’t have to put money out of you pocket, all you have to do is have packages shipped to your house and do my shopping.
You are allowed to open the packages to know content. The content of the packages are computer and electronics, clothing’s business and personal letters. I will pay $400 per week.I need your service because I am constantly out of town on business as I own a electronics and clothing store in Germany,Ireland but want to open another store in USA. I will return to USA in October so this process will be on going till then. I will email you the list and pictures of what to shop for when I am ready.No heavy packages are involved! You can do the shopping at any nearest stores. You will be shopping for Electronics and clothing. If I were to mail you money to do my shopping plus upfront payment for your service, where would you want it mailed to? Your full info for ,money orders,cashier check payment:-
Full Name:
Full Address:
(NO P.O.BOX)
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Phone Number:(Cell): Home:
Email:
Present Job:
The address of the nearest Post Office to you for receiving packages:-
Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Post Code:
I Will be expecting to hear from you soon to let me know if you will be willing to handle my business on my behalf before I return.Note that this job is 100% legitimate.You can open all packages
to confirm how legit they are.
Thanks so much and have a nice day.
Regards,
Andrew
I sent this guy my information and I have not heard anything else from him. I sent him an email yesterday asking if he would mind providing me with the name of his business that he owns just to try and verify the legitimacy of his claims, but still, nothing. I’m not sure what the point of it all is. Is there some way people can still mess you up if they only have your name, address and phone number?
on August 11th, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Expect to receive a check or money order and instructions to “mystery shop” a couple of local businesses then send the bulk of the check amount to someone via Western Union or MoneyGram.
This is a scam. Do not communicate further with these people. When the check comes, you can shred it or turn it over to the police. Do not even think about cashing it as it will be counterfeit.
on August 11th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
It is definitely a scam. You will probably be scammed out of cash, and it is likely that you will also be scamming other people. That could get you arrested. These scams have been going on for a long time: http://www.snopes.com/crime/fraud/reshipper.asp
on October 26th, 2011 at 7:18 am
I received a 2,675.99 check i was tooo excited i went to the bank and they put a hold on it. I called my sisiter and she told me about this website. the money is still in the bank but i spent 60.00 dollars of it. I scared like crazy what am i to do.
on October 26th, 2011 at 7:47 am
Contact your bank right away and let them know that you just learned that the check you deposited is a fake. Arrange to pay back any money you have withdrawn.
Do it right away–you may be able to avoid most fees and other problems if you tell them now, before the check is returned.
I’m glad you found out about the check before you sent money off somewhere.
on January 30th, 2012 at 4:33 pm
These people are becoming really sneaky with their opertion on scamming people. In the beginning, I really thought I got a real mystery shopping company contacting me but I started to notice little creepy unprofessional things like sending me a $2,950 check prior to doing any work, sending the fedex mail personally to my house in a car. The fedex packet had the shipping information taped on the envelop. I mean, it’s really creepy that they know where I live and actually came to my door to deliver it in a personal car. I’m scared to go outside the house now. Please let me know who I can contact and maybe I can play along with this scum and get him caught when he goes to pick up the money he thinks I’m going to send. They him/her caught by police when picking up the money. Thanks, ….Below is his current messge stating my first assignment.
Hello Evaluator,
Prior to your appointment as our company’s mystery shopper agent as regards to our proposal in which you accepted and you were employed, we are happy to inform you that your first assignment for the company commences today.
Make sure you drop a note “delivery authorization” if you know you won’t be home.
TRACK VIA http://WWW.USPS.COM ; WITH TRACKING NUMBER: EO054331685US
You are to proceed and take this payment to your banking institution and get it Cashed/deposited in your bank account for 24hrs.
After getting the payment cashed at your Bank, deduct your $200 commission/payment for the Paid Survey and Evaluation service you will carry out then proceed to Western Union Money Transfer Outlet(currency exchange) listed, with the remaining funds after deducting your $200 commission. You will be evaluating the services of the Western union outlet making use of the company’s balance after deducting your $200 commission. You will do the mystery/secret shopping by sending money to another Mystery Shopper in PEARLAND, TEXAS for the following reasons.
(i) Slow services (ii) Unbalanced exchange rate (iii) Poor services (iv) Rudeness to customers (v) Excessive and incoherent charges (VI) General Customer Service/Relationship Assessment
You don’t have to let the Western Union Representative suspect you as Mystery Shopper/Surveyor evaluating their services as you know your job is Secret. The western union charges will be deducted from the company balance .
Evaluate one(1) of the western union outlets {where assignment & transfer of funds will take place} from the western union outlets you sent to me in your previous message. That is where your 1st task/assignment will take place.
WHAT TO NOTICE WHEN SENDING FUNDS AS FOLLOW;
-How long it took you to get services.
-Ambiance/Outlook of the Shop/Outlet
-Smartness of the attendant
-Customer service professionalism
-Reaction of personnel under pressure
-Information that you think would be helpful
-Your comments and impressions.
Find below the details of the Receiver of the fund via western union
RECEIVER/EVALUATOR IN PEARLAND TEXAS
FIRST NAME : ANGEL
LAST NAME : GAYDEN
ADDRESS: 2231 Linea Del Pino St,
CITY : PEARLAND
STATE : TEXAS
ZIP CODE : 77588
N.B:As soon as you have the money sent to the Surveyor/Mystery Shopper in PEARLAND TEXAS , you will email me a copy of the Western Union Information
Below is the expenditure breakdown:-
Payment Received….$2499,50
Salary ……………..$200
Gas/Transport….$50
western union charges(send per min):$171
Western Union Rest of the funds….$2078.50
Western union info will include-
1.Sender’s full name and address as written on the western union receipt
2.Receiver’s full name and address as written on the western union receipt
3.Total amount sent in US Dollars
4.Money Transfer Control Number(10 digits MTCN) for the transaction
Please get back to me as soon as possible via email letting me know once you have fulfilled your first task of evaluation.
It is mandatory you contact me at the above email as soon as transaction is completed so we can have the next payment released to you.
N.B– Send a reply to acknowledge this email as soon as possible teamhire.evaluator@live.com
Regards,
Andrew Taylor