In today’s economy, many people are looking for flexible work opportunities to supplement their income. Enter the secret shopper scam, which promises enticing rewards for simple tasks but ultimately wreaks financial havoc. In this article, we’ll expose the deceptive tactics used in secret shopper scams and arm you with the knowledge to protect yourself.

What Is the Secret Shopper Scam?

The secret shopper scam preys on people looking for passive, easy sources of extra income. Scammers entice victims with offers to become secret shoppers, which involves evaluating the customer service and quality of various businesses. They often send a check upfront, instructing the victim to deposit it and use a portion to purchase goods or services at specified stores while keeping the rest as payment. However, the check is counterfeit, and the victim is responsible for the funds withdrawn to make the purchases.

Example of the Scam

Jessica receives an email offering her a job as a secret shopper. The company sends her a check for $2,500 and instructs her to deposit it into her bank account. She’s then told to use $2,000 to purchase gift cards at various stores, evaluate the service, and report back. The remaining $500 is her payment. Jessica follows the instructions, but a few days later, her bank informs her that the check is fake. She is now responsible for the $2,000 she spent on gift cards, which the scammer has already used.

Tips for Protecting Yourself

To avoid falling victim to a secret shopper scam, follow these guidelines:

• Be cautious of unsolicited offers or any unexpected offers that promise significant payments for minimal effort.
• Research the company. Verify their legitimacy by checking online reviews, contacting the Better Business Bureau, and confirming their credentials.
• Never deposit unverified checks. It can take days to identify a counterfeit check, leaving you liable for the funds in the meantime.
• Don’t wire money or buy gift cards upfront. Legitimate companies never require you to wire money or purchase gift cards upfront.
• Trust your instincts. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

If You’ve Been Scammed

If you think you’ve been scammed, act quickly to protect yourself:

• Contact your financial institution immediately. If you’ve deposited a counterfeit check, notify your bank or credit union immediately. They may be able to reverse the transaction or mitigate your losses.
• Report the scam. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your local police department. Provide them with all relevant details to help them investigate and potentially apprehend the scammers.
• Beware of further contact. Scammers may attempt to contact you again with other offers or promises to resolve the situation. Don’t engage with them further and report any additional communication to authorities.

Contact us to learn more about safeguarding your financial information and securing your accounts. Our experts are here to help.