A fake “mystery shopping” job that uses a bad check and gift-card “assignments” to steal money.
Victims are hired to evaluate stores or money-transfer services and sent a check to fund their first assignment. The task invariably involves buying gift cards or wiring money and reporting the codes — handing the scammer the funds — before the funding check bounces.
Real mystery-shopping work exists, but legitimate firms never pay you with a check you must partly send back.
Red flags
- First assignment involves buying gift cards or wiring money
- You are funded by a check before any work
- Asked to report card numbers or transfer confirmations
Deep-dive guide
Mystery Shopper & Data-Entry Job Scams: The Classics That Still Work
Frequently asked questions
Are mystery shopper jobs real?
Legitimate mystery-shopping companies exist, but they do not send you a check and ask you to buy gift cards or wire money. Any assignment structured that way is a scam.