Mystery Shopper Scam

Mystery shopping can be a legitimate job. Everyday people hired by retailers or marketing research firms as "secret shoppers" - sent into stores to buy certain products and report on their experiences.

But federal authorities are warning people to beware. They say with high unemployment, more and more people are falling victim to the scammers' traps.

"Any citizen of the United States could fall victim if they allow themselves to," said Special Agent in Charge Alex Turner, of the FBI's Norfolk Bureau.

Turner says the mystery shopper scam starts with the victim reading an ad in the newspaper or online. The victim will then "contact whoever is advertising the job. They'll get a very good sales pitch. And they're often told, basically what will happen is that company will send them a check...."

The victim is then pressured to wire money from a select retailer within a specific time frame. According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, "After merchandise is purchased and money is wired, the employees are advised by the bank the check cashed was counterfeit, and they are responsible for the money lost in addition to bank fees."

However, Turner suggests ways to avoid getting scammed:
-Look to see where they're located. A lot of these scams are being perpetrated by companies or individuals outside of the United States.
-If these companies are soliciting for some kind of fee to gain employment, that usually also is a red flag.
-Check with the Better Business Bureau .
-Go to IC3, it is the Internet [Crime] Complaint Center .

In the end, Turner says, "When in doubt, avoid it. If it sounds too easy to be true, avoid it. At the very least...do your homework."

To contact the Norfolk's FBI Community Outreach department call: 757-455-0100.

Helpful Sites:

Mystery Shopping Providers Association

Volition.com

Intellishop.com