Mystery shopper check scam
You get a "secret shopper" assignment and a check in the mail. You keep part as pay and use the rest to buy gift cards and send the codes, supposedly to rate the store.
How this scam works
The check is fake. The gift cards are drained before the check bounces, and you owe the bank the full amount.
Common versions of the message
- A secret shopper assignment
- A check for more than your pay
- Gift cards to buy and report
What the message looks like
Text from Shopper Program
You have been selected as a secret shopper! We mailed you a check for $1,950. Deposit it, keep $300 as your pay, and use the rest to buy gift cards at Walmart. Send us photos of the card numbers and PIN to rate the store.
Fictional example based on common, publicly reported scam patterns.
The red flags
- 1
Big check: “mailed you a check for $1,950”
The check is fake and will bounce later
A check for more than you are owed is the classic fake check setup.
- 2
Gift cards: “use the rest to buy gift cards”
Real shopper jobs never pay you to buy gift cards
Real mystery shopping never involves buying gift cards for the company.
- 3
Send the codes: “Send us photos of the card numbers and PIN”
They drain the cards before the check bounces
Sending card numbers and PINs hands over the money.
What to do
- Do not deposit the check.
- Do not buy gift cards or send codes.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you already replied, clicked, or paid
- If you deposited the check, tell your bank right away that it may be fake.
- If you sent gift card codes, contact the gift card company with your receipts.
- Do not send more money to "fix" the problem.
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