Mystery Shopper Check Scam

A fake mystery shopping job sends the victim a check to deposit, instructing them to keep a "payment" and wire the rest to evaluate a money transfer service — but the original check later bounces, leaving the victim owing the full amount.

A victim is recruited for a "mystery shopping" assignment that involves evaluating the customer service of a money transfer company, and is mailed a check to deposit into their own bank account. They're instructed to keep a portion as payment and wire the rest through the money transfer service as part of the "evaluation," but the original check is fraudulent and takes days or weeks to bounce — well after the wired money is already gone — leaving the victim's bank holding them responsible for the full amount of the bad check.

• A "job" that pays by having you deposit a check and wire part of it elsewhere.
• The assignment specifically involves evaluating a money transfer or wire service.
• The check arrives before any real vetting or interview process.
• You're rushed to wire the money quickly after depositing the check.

• Be suspicious of any job that pays you by having you deposit and forward a check.
• Remember that a bank clearing a check temporarily doesn't mean it won't later be discovered as fraudulent.
• Never wire money based on funds from a check you just deposited.
• Verify legitimate mystery shopping companies through the Mystery Shopping Professionals Association.