Mystery / Secret Shopper Check Scam
A 'mystery shopping' job sends you a check to deposit and spend evaluating stores — including buying gift cards — but the check is fake and you owe it all back.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You are 'hired' as a mystery shopper and mailed a check to fund your assignments. The tasks include evaluating a store's gift-card counter or a money-transfer service by buying gift cards or wiring money, then reporting on the 'experience' and keeping a fee. The check is counterfeit; it bounces days after your bank makes the funds available, and the money you already spent or sent is your own. Real mystery-shopping companies do not pay you with a check to spend first.
What it usually looks like
- A mystery-shopper job that sends a check up front.
- Tasks to buy gift cards or wire money and report back.
- Permission to keep a 'fee' from the check.
- Pressure to complete the assignment quickly.
Common warning signs
- Being paid by check to spend or send money.
- Assignments centered on gift cards or wire transfers.
- Deposit-then-forward instructions.
- Urgency before the check 'clears.'
Example wording scammers use
“Your first assignment: deposit the enclosed $1,980 check, evaluate our gift-card partner by purchasing $1,500 in cards, and keep $200.”
“Wire $1,600 to test the money-transfer counter and report your experience.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- You to move real money before a fake check bounces.
- Gift-card codes or a wire.
- A liable middle person.
What to do
- Never deposit a check and send money or buy gift cards for a 'job.'
- Real shopper gigs never fund you by check up front.
- Wait for a check to truly clear (weeks) before trusting it — better, do not deposit it.
- Ignore and report the offer.
What to do if you already responded
- Tell your bank immediately; you may limit liability.
- Keep the check, envelope, and messages as evidence.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.