Mystery Shopper Fake Check Scams: How they work
Mystery shopping sounds fun—you get paid to shop and review stores. But scammers use this idea to steal your money. They might send you a message saying you’ve been chosen to be a mystery shopper at places like Walmart or Target. They promise easy money just for shopping and giving feedback.
If you agree, they send you a fake check and tell you to deposit it. You’re supposed to use some of the money for shopping and send the rest back to them, usually by wire transfer or gift cards. At first, your bank might show the money in your account. After a few days, the check bounces, and the bank takes the money out of your account. You lose whatever money you sent, and the scammer is long gone.
Below are examples of scam texts you might receive. If you see something like this, delete it and do not reply!
The three most common types of fake check scams are Mystery Shopper Scam, Car Wrap Advertising Scam, and Fake Job Offer Scam.
Mystery Shopper Scam: Scammers pretend to hire you to secretly review stores but trick you into sending them money.
Example 1:
"Hi [Your Name], we're hiring secret shoppers! You’ll earn $500 per task by evaluating stores like Walmart & Target. Your first assignment comes with a check—just deposit it and buy some items, then report back! Reply YES to start!"
Example 2:
"Congratulations! You’ve been chosen as a mystery shopper. Your first task: deposit the check we send and shop at a nearby store. Keep $300 as your payment, then send the rest to our ‘survey partner.’ Get started today!"
Example 3:
"Final notice: You’ve been selected for our exclusive mystery shopper program! Earn up to $800 per week visiting local stores. A check will be mailed to cover your purchases and payment. Act now—limited spots available! Reply ‘SHOP’ to begin."
Scam Warning:
If a job offers fast cash and sends a check before you even start, it’s fake. Real companies don’t work this way! Additionally, if someone sends you a check and asks you to send money back, it’s always a scam. Legitimate jobs never ask you to return part of your pay/compensation.
Signs of a Mystery Shopper Scam
🚩 Unsolicited offers – If you didn’t apply to be a mystery shopper but got an offer, it’s suspicious.
🚩 They send you a check – Real companies don’t send money before you start work.
🚩 You have to send money back – If they ask you to buy gift cards or wire money, it’s a scam.
🚩 Too good to be true – Earning hundreds of dollars for a simple task is a big red flag.
How to Stay Safe
✔ Research mystery shopper jobs—real ones don’t send checks or ask for money back.
✔ Never deposit a check from a stranger—it could be fake.
✔ Don’t send money or buy gift cards for someone you don’t know.
✔ Don’t send money back to a stranger, or use a stranger’s money to buy something from a website—real jobs don’t work that way
✔ If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a scam
If you get a suspicious text like these, don’t reply! Just delete it or block the number.
If you already sent money, report the scam to the FTC (ftc.gov), IC3, or your local consumer protection agency.