If you have gotten one of those checks for thousands of dollars from someone representing themselves as a mystery shopping company, you are about to be scammed. Unless, of course, you follow the advice in this article.
Mystery shopping companies do not send checks for thousands of dollars to potential mystery shoppers. Ever. They do not ask you to wire money. Ever. I have written about mystery shopper scams many times, but even some of the people who read those articles will want to believe that their situation is the exception, and they are going to get paid $400 for a couple of hours of work. Not gonna happen. Ever.
Before you cash the check and wire the money off to the scammer, humor me for a minute. Do a couple of things to check them out. If I’m wrong and the “offer” if legitimate, you can post a comment and say I was wrong. But if I’m right, you will save yourself thousands of dollars, lots of aggravation, and possibly some jail time. (Cashing a forged check is a crime, and you may have to convince the police that you are the victim to get out of trouble.)
Here’s what to do…
Call the company listed on the check and see if they sent it to you. Do not rely on a phone number on the check or in the package you received. Go look them up online and find contact information for them. Sometimes the check has the name of a legitimate mystery shopping company on it, although they did not send the check. But I have seen some drawn on accounts for auto parts stores and other businesses. Why would an auto parts store be paying you to mystery shop WalMart and Western Union?
Anytime a scam involves a cashier’s check, official check, or money order from a bank, and you believe that it could be counterfeit, you should contact the issuing bank directly to verify authenticity. As with the company that supposedly issued the check, when contacting the bank, do not use the telephone number provided on the check, as this number is probably not associated with the bank, but rather with the scam artist.
To locate a bank’s mailing address, you can check the FDIC’s Web site at:
https://research.fdic.gov/bankfind/.
So now you have learned that the check is a fake. What should you do next? Resist any impulse to call the person behind the mystery shopper scam. One option is to shred the check and throw it in the trash. Another is to contact the authorities. In addition to notifying the bank named on the check, there are others whom you also should notify if you receive a counterfeit item. They include:
- For all scams: Federal Trade Commission (FTC): by telephone at 1-877-FTC-HELP or file an electronic complaint via their Internet site at www.ftc.gov.
- For Internet-based scams: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Internet Fraud Complaint Center: www.ic3.gov.
- For mail-based scams: U.S. Postal Inspector Service: by telephone at 1-888-877-7644, by mail at U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General, Operations Support Group, 222 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1250, Chicago, IL 60606-6100 or online at https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/contactus/filecomplaint.aspx.
If I was wrong about your check, post a comment and let me know. You can even taunt me. But if I was right…well, I won’t even say, “I told you so.”
I got some emails from a man names Ronald Perelman offering me a job as a so-called “secret shopper”. I’ve been really in need of work so I greatly considered it. They sent me a package with the instructions, which were to evaluate a CVS or Walmart, buy some things and then transfer money to some guy in china. My mom was totally up for it so i figured its a check in my hands and I need the money so I transferred the money into my bank account today and it should go in in 24 hours. Though, now i’m very suspicious of it and I’m kind of scared what will happen. What should I do? If the money get’s transferred should I not send it to the man in china? Please help me.
This is a scam, like all of the other check scams described on this site. There isn’t a legitimate opportunity that involves cashing checks and wiring money.
I received a check for $2872.30 with instructions similar to the others I just read. I am glad I decided to check it out before doing something with it. I was wondering what would happen if someone opened an account with this check and just let it sit there and see what happens. Might get interesting.
LaRayne, what would happen is that after a few days or weeks, the check would be discovered to be forgery. The bank would remove all of the funds from the account, charge one or more fees for the returned checks, and maybe have you arrested for passing a forged check.
In short, there is nothing good that would happen from depositing the check, and potentially a lot of bad.
I was stupid and deposited the check they sent me I called the bank and the flagged it as fraud and will be closing my account. I filed a complaint with the FCC what else should i do i am very worried i will get in trouble with the police for being stupid and falling for this Scam
Melissa, it is unlikely you will have any legal trouble. You notified the bank, so they know that you were a victim of an attempted scam.
I fell for the scam. as a mystery shopper with M S Service also known as Step Recruitment
i answered ad online when you google mystery shopping its the first one that pops up so i answered the questions and a few days later got a email saying that i would receive a package with my first assignment .. the package came and said i was to deposit the check into the bank and then go to money gram and western union.. well i deposited the check but something told me that something was not right so i called the bank and they told me that it was fraud and that my account will not be closed. I did not withdraw any of the money in fact i wanted them to stop the deposit but was informed i could not do that. I filed a report with the FCC as well as with others that is shown on another website. I just got a text message from a Wilson Kane asking if i have completed my assignment yet . then got another email asking when will be be able to complete .. I can not believe i fell for this scam. please be aware.. I am not sure what the out come will be
November,2015 received a cashiers-check in the amount of $1,930.42 with directions to deposit into my account, spend under $50 on each item for myself and send $1,530 to a person (JAMES BRAUN) in Chicago,IL also a mystery shopper and my next assignment will be sent immediately,but in fact if you miss the red-flags,your next assignment may be in a prison. People no one is giving away money,if its too good to be “true”,trust your first instinct .What company has to trust their money to strangers honesty,none ! These scammers are scum of the earth who will rob the poor,weak,elderly,young,helpless or whoever falls for their con.
I got involved in the same type of thing over 5 years ago and was already a mystery shopper in Nevada. We have to get licenses here. I had previously been a legal secretary. The first thing I did was to call the bank, then I called the Attorney General’s office in Nevada, then I shredded the check and did not reply to their emails to me.
I received an email from paul goldsmith mystery shopper assc he is sending a packet in the mail on what to do is he for real or is it a scam thank you Brenda brown
Brenda, it is a scam. When someone approaches you out of the blue and says they are hiring you as a mystery shopper and sending a package, it means they are sending you a forged check. Ignore it, shred it, whatever–just don’t cash it and send them any money. Scam, scam, scam. No question about it.
I fell for this too. I waited for the check to clear with my bank and when it did i thought this was legit. until 2 days later they called me that the check was on hold. can you sent me the websites I can contact to report mystery shoppers scam. thanks
Sandra, I am sorry you got caught up in this. This post tells where to report scams.
After being contacted by mystery shopper by priority mail on 1/14/16 a package from Alfa Box Corporation that contained a check in the amount of $2,900.00. The instructions stated I was to cash the check at my bank or deposit it for a period if 24 hours and then proceed with my assignment.
– deduct $200.00 for myself.
– with my assignment I am to the $2700.00 and wire $2600.00 to Alissa
Barnes in Warsaw Poland zip code 01-029
– the remaining $100.00 goes to Western Union which I am tone evaluating
– when done with the assignment I am to email the supervisor evaluationreport.ms@gmail.com and task coordinator marksisodia@gmail.com
Of course I never intended on depositing or doing anything with their check that I am pretty sure is a fraud.
I do intend on contacting CitiBank and inform them. The remitters name is Alex Beglot.
Ralph, thanks for sharing this. As you know, these are always scams. This has nothing to do with legitimate mystery shopping.
I received the same exact package today, with the same exact instructions. Came from Alfa Box and to send to Sarah Bryant in Poland. My letter said 2 assignments but the instructions didn’t tell me the 2nd assignment. Taking it to the bank the check has on it and reporting in the morning. Thanks!
Gloria, you were right to be suspicious. This is always a scam. I’m glad you didn’t cash the check.
Alicia, there is no need to check out these “offers.” When they send a check to cash, it is always a scam. No exceptions.
I responded to an email a few weeks ago about mystery shopping opportunities in my area. I just received a check from a company called Shop ‘n’ Check. I started to suspect this was a scam because the instructions didn’t make sense. It said another mystery shopper located in Georgia would complete the transaction, but the address where I was to send the money was in Chicago, IL. Glad I looked online before I went ahead with cashing this check. The name of the person contacting me claiming to be the manager is Jeremy Boyle. The 2 email addresses given are jayda3398@gmail.com and donwalker0011@outlook.com. These email addresses were another indication that this is a scam. Legitimate companies aren’t going to use gmail or outlook as their email. It would be listed under a company name. I will not be responding to these people anymore, and I intend shred the check!!
Sherry, this is definitely a scam, but there is/was a legitimate company called Shop N Chek. The scammers often use the names of legitimate companies in an effort to appear like they are the real deal.
The bottom line is that if they send you a check BEFORE you have done any work, and they want you to send money to someone else, it is a scam. No exceptions. Glad you didn’t fall for it.
Dear Cathy, Thanks for this helpful article! I had been getting mystery shopper emails for several months. When I finally retired in January, I finally decided to check into the matter further, so I sent my info to one of them. Well, less than a week later, I received a mailer with a $2,400.00 cashiers check from an east coast bank. No instructions! I thought that was odd, & mentioned it to my wife. She Googled “Mystery shopper” and your article came up. Great information! I sent the check back to the fraud department of the bank from which it came, along with a letter of explanation. Then I contacted the FTC & the FBI internet scam site to file a complaint. I finally got a text from the scammer asking If I had received the package. I told him, “yes” and then told him what it did with the check and who I reported the scam to. He didn’t reply after that. Thanks so much for your helpful information. I’m so glad I didn’t try to deposit the check.
Ed, I’m glad you didn’t fall for the scam. You and your wife were wise to check it out.
There are legitimate mystery shopping opportunities, but they won’t come to you in spam emails. Apply to some of the 200 legitimate mystery shopping companies listed here and you will get real chances to mystery shop.
Good luck!
A few Day ago I received a cashier via us postal mail. regarding a mystery shopper assignment. I was ask to have funds put into my bank wait 24 hrs and them with draw all but 200.00 which is my wage. told to go to money gram and send 2 persons money for 635.00 each. melvin Johnson 400 main street Rowlett, TX —- John Williams 3411 Powell way Mossouri City, TX turns out that these address are all location of propertys that are for sale. mean while this harisine.201@gmail.com is texting me from this number 312-763-8527 wanting me to hurry and complete my assignment. I took all paper work they sent me and gave it to my bank. haven’t heard from them . I let him know I knew this was a scam and he was getting one cent from me.
Donna, I am glad you didn’t fall for the scam. Now, just ignore the scammer. Eventually he will get tired of wasting his time and move on to more profitable targets.
Today I received a cashier check for 2,550.00 for secret shopper remitter was Andrea Smith person of contact is Robert J. Payne he says he is with Kmart Survey Evaluation. I am supposed to email or text him when I receive the assignment which I have not done, I am going to call bank tomorrow and find out what I can then I will go to the authorities. His email is robertpayne893@gmail.com, he wanted me to spend 100.00 at kmart or Walmart then send 1050.00 to two different people in the Philippines via western union and 300.00 was my pay.
I got the same scam from robertpayne893@gmail.com. I reported it to the banking institution, sent them scans of all of the documents, and turned all of it over to my local police department.
I can’t believe anyone would fall for this, but the check really looked legit. The instruction letter, however, just reeked of fraud!
Ross, there are several reasons that people fall for versions of this scam. As you noted, the checks appear to be valid. Many people do not understand how the banking laws work, so they do not realize that the bank releasing funds does not mean that the check has cleared. They assume that the bank would not give them money if the check had not been proven to be valid, but that is not true.
It always pays to be suspicious when someone you do not know sends you money out of the blue. Glad you didn’t get scammed.
I actually first got an email from jobs@kmart.com for a mystery shopper I think that’s how they got my email address. I got an email (robertpayne893@gmail.com) and text (910-361-2530) from a Robert Payne.
Paula, I am sure that the email you got did not actually come from kmart.com. Scammers use false information when they send these emails.
I got that same email. I signed up for it awhile back. I thought it was a little suspicious, but I figured what the hell. Yesterday, I got the check in the mail and a letter with some grammar mistakes. I thought it was a little odd and that it could be a scam. I’m not working at the moment, so I stupidly let my guard down and went to the bank and deposited the check, since I needed the money. The phone number on the form I got is the same as yours but the name it Ronald K Webster. Around 20 minutes ago, I looked up the phone number and found this website. I immediately went online and chatted with a rep from my bank and he said to call the fraud department tomorrow since there’s nothing he could do to stop the deposit from going through. So tomorrow I’m going to call the fraud department and tell them to cancel the check. I’ll tell you what, though. Every suspicion told me not to go to the bank and deposit the check, but since I needed the money, I let my suspicions go by the wayside. Man, do I feel foolish. Hopefully my bank’s fraud section can get to the bottom of this with no harm to me.
Jesse, as long as you don’t withdraw the money, the worst that will happen is that the bank might charge you a fee for the bounced check. Because you notified them about the problem, you might be able to get them to waive the fee. I’m glad you didn’t go further with this and end up getting scammed.
I also received this scam in mail today. The check was for $2550. Spend up to $100 then I was to evaluate two western unions. The money was going to be sent to people in thePhillipines. The letter came from Ronald Webster in Mississippi . The phone number was (910) 361-2530. ( located in North Carolina)
The check had two different names on the front. I’ve never heard of the Pelham banking company.
We took it to our local police department.
Julie, lots of red flags here. Good job spotting the scam and reporting it to law enforcement.
I also just received the exact same “check” and letter from Robert Webster. I just handed both the check and letter to my mother, a police officer. Jokes on him!
I received a 2780.99 cashier’s check today via priority mail. Even looks legit! However upon reading the letter that was sent with the bogus check, TONS of misspelled words. The real interesting thing about the check: it had no bank address listed so I Googled the bank name and the bank does exist. I called the bank (Associated Bank) gave them the cashier’s check number and just as expected: no such check came from that bank. I feel badly for all the people that fall for this type of scam.
i received a check for mystery shopping a for 2,865.00, i cashed it and received a letter a week later from my bank saying that they were unable to locate the account, so now im responsible for the money. right? i have some money left so i have to give that back to the bank. i feel so stupid.
Kristin, you will have to repay all of the money you received from the bank ($2865) plus any charges for processing the returned check and overdraft fees (if any). I’m sorry you got caught up in this.
Yeah, I deposited mine today. I’m not working at the moment, so I let my suspicions that I had about it go by the wayside. Luckily, though, I caught it this evening and my bank said to call the fraud department tomorrow. Make sure you call your bank’s fraud department too. They should be able to help you. After I call, I’ll return and report what my bank did to help me, if anything.