Fraud Tip of the Day - July 2

How to Avoid Secret Shopper Scams

If you're considering a secret shopper gig, then you won't want to miss this article. While secret shopping can be a fun, rewarding and legitimate experience; there are con artists out there waiting to take advantage by promoting "secret shopper" jobs that are really scams intended to trick honest job seekers into passing bogus checks.

How the Secret Shoppers Scam Works

You spot a legitimate looking advertisement in your local paper for secret shoppers. The ad includes detailed information, including a website, local phone number and instructions on how to sign up. After you complete the application, you'll receive notification of being "chosen" along with a letter giving information on your first "assignment". This assignment is usually a short training course which must be completed within a short period of time. Along with the letter will be a check which you will be instructed to deposit into your account. Once deposited, the funds will be returned to the secret shopper company by wire from a local retailer.

All of this is made to convince you this wire transfer process in the local retailer will be your first secret shopper experience. However, the valid looking check ends up being fraudulent. And the funds transferred are in fact your own. Participating as the "shopper" in this con has now caused you to lose tens, hundreds or even thousands of dollars. So, how can you protect yourself from falling victim to one of these secret shopping tricks?

Review and abide by the following list of tips aimed at protecting you from secret shopper scams:

Tips for avoiding secret shopper scams:

• If you haven't heard of or don't know the company personally, always check the credentials of those advertising in the classified section of your local paper.
  
  
• Legitimate businesses will never ask for your personal account information for making "business" transactions
  
  
• Always consult with your own financial institution before accepting checks from unknown parties. They can help you determine if the check is real and funds are available.
  
  
• Never, ever give out your personal account information, passwords, or other personally identifiable information on the internet or over the phone unless you've initiated the business deal.
  
  

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