Spotting and Reporting Mystery Shopping Scams
What Are Mystery Shopping Scams?
Mystery shopping scams are fraudulent schemes where perpetrators disguise themselves as legitimate companies to deceive individuals into believing they are undertaking genuine Mystery Shopping assignments. The scams often exploit reputable brands, such as iShopFor Ipsos, to lend credibility to their ruses.
How to Identify a Mystery Shopping Scam
Recognizing Mystery Shopping scams involves vigilance and caution. Here are key indicators:
- Upfront Payment Requests: Legitimate companies will never ask for a fee to join a Mystery Shopping network.
- Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious of unexpected emails or messages offering Mystery Shopping tasks.
- Suspicious Checks: If you receive a check with instructions to deposit it and wire funds elsewhere, it’s a red flag. Scammers use this tactic to steal money, often leaving you accountable when the check bounces.
- Vague or Missing Details: Genuine offers provide detailed information about the tasks, compensation, and employer.
Common Mystery Shopping Scams - Fraudulent Check Scams: Scammers send a counterfeit cashier’s check, instructing victims to deposit it, perform a task, and wire a portion of the money back. Once the bank discovers the check is fake, victims are liable for the withdrawn amount.
- Gift Card Scams: Individuals are ordered to purchase gift cards and send back photos of the card numbers and PINs. The scammers then steal the card value, leaving individuals out of pocket and responsible for any bank charges.
- Phishing Scams: These involve fake websites or emails mimicking legitimate companies to collect personal information such as banking details or Social Security numbers.
What to Do If You Believe You've Spotted a Mystery Shopping Scam
If you suspect a Mystery Shopping opportunity is a scam, it is crucial to act appropriately to protect yourself and others:
- Do Not Engage: Refrain from responding to suspicious offers.
- Report the Scam: Notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their complaint assistant here and the Internet Crime Commission. Local police can also be informed for community awareness and safety.
- Stay Informed: Review detailed guidance on recognizing scams through official advice like the FTC’s article on Mystery Shopper scams.
By following these insights, you can better protect yourself from falling victim to Mystery Shopping scams and help alert authorities to prevent others from being targeted.
