Beware of Scams

Mystery Shopping has gotten a bad rap because of a few disreputable companies and individuals scamming shoppers. Some charge a fee for information on becoming a shopper. If you have paid someone for information or to sign up, your first step might be to check your statement for whatever account was charged. The correct name of the company is often listed there, and your financial institution may be able to help you put a stop to the charges. Don't ever pay a company to become a shopper! That is a sure sign they are not a legitimate employer.

One of the more serious scams involves someone claiming to be with a legitimate company and sending out large counterfeit cashier's checks or money orders. The shopper is told to cash it and wire the majority of the funds via MoneyGram or Western Union, then keep the rest as their 'pay' for the shop. Don't be fooled by these scams! The FDIC requires banks to make funds available on cashier's checks and money orders within 1-5 days, so the scammers are counting on you receiving the funds and going through with the wire transfer before the check or money order has actually cleared the bank. By the time you find out that the check is not legitimate, you are out the money you sent and will be held accountable for the bounced check by your financial institution.

Unfortunately, these fraudulent companies use various names or web addresses of reputable companies in their ads and emails. Some scammers even use email addresses or websites which spoof those of legitimate companies.

Suggested steps to take if you have been scammed:
• Contact your local police department to file a report
• File a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission