Secret shopping

[Aaron414]

Just got a letter in the mail saying ive been accepted as one of their representatives along with a check to do my shopping. at first i thought it was one of those fake checks that credit card companies give out. but Its a legit check, they will only activate it if i call the number to receive the instructions for the job. the check is worth 2700, but they're saying i only get 300 of that. What do you guys think? I don't remember signing up for anything, just got this letter out of nowhere

[Ima saver]

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is a scam! I was a mystery shopper once and we always got paid after we did the shop!

[creditcardfree]

I would not cash that check. That does NOT sound legit. There are so many scams where you are given a check for more than the agreement (job or otherwise) and must then wire them the difference. But if you wire them the difference, you later find out the check you deposited from them was NOT legit. So you just sent the scammers $X that you didn't have.

Please shred this check and be done with it. It is a scam.

[disneysteve]

the check is worth 2700, but they're saying i only get 300 of that.

THIS IS A SCAM! Just destroy the check. DO NOT cash it. Do not call them.

Here's what will happen. They will tell you to deposit the check and wire them the $2,400 and keep $300 for yourself. Then the check will bounce and you'll be out $2,400 that you'll never see again.

Legitimate companies don't just randomly mail out $2,700 checks.

[Aaron414]

ok doke

[disneysteve]

actually they're saying I can cash it, and spend X amount at Lowe's' and X amount at Walmart, keep the 300, and Money gram the rest and then fax them the receipt along with my report...you know what, Ill be the guine pig and do this and report back to you guys...I know what ya'll gonna say, but i wanna try this

Read our earlier replies again. THIS IS A SCAM!

You didn't apply for a job with this company. You've never heard of this company. Don't you think it is quite odd that they would just randomly mail some stranger a check for $2,700? Really, how gullible could you be?

Here is the snopes.com page describing this scam:
snopes.com: Secret Shopper Scams

Here is a news story about this scam:
Investigation: No Sale for Secret Shopper Scam | NBC Philadelphia

Just Google "secret shopping scam" and you'll find dozens of sources documenting that this is a scam. If you still decide to cash this check, then you are on your own. You've been adequately warned.

[creditcardfree]

Yikes! I hope your final warning worked, Steve. OP, almost lost $2400 of their hard earned money.

[disneysteve]

Yikes! I hope your final warning worked, Steve. OP, almost lost $2400 of their hard earned money.

The one thing I have absolutely no patience for is people who fall for this crap. People get scammed and then get all upset and angry that these crooks are out there. Guess what? All the crooks would go away if people just used their brains a little. If you think something sounds fishy, it probably is. If you want to be sure, just google it or go to snopes and check there. Why anyone would believe something like this is beyond me.

[Caoineag]

The one thing I have absolutely no patience for is people who fall for this crap. People get scammed and then get all upset and angry that these crooks are out there. Guess what? All the crooks would go away if people just used their brains a little. If you think something sounds fishy, it probably is. If you want to be sure, just google it or go to snopes and check there. Why anyone would believe something like this is beyond me.

You are assuming only people of average or above average intelligence fall for these scams. Unfortunately there are plenty of people with mental handicaps or below average intelligence who get sucked into these. Just because someone can work a menial job and live on their own, doesn't mean they can't be suckered. Dementia in the elderly is also a problem that allows scammers to make money.

[Aaron414]

you're right, I won't do it. thanks Steve

[creditcardfree]

you're right, I won't do it.

Thank you! And thanks for posting...it helped you and any others who may read this and have the same question.

[disneysteve]

You are assuming only people of average or above average intelligence fall for these scams. Unfortunately there are plenty of people with mental handicaps or below average intelligence who get sucked into these. Just because someone can work a menial job and live on their own, doesn't mean they can't be suckered. Dementia in the elderly is also a problem that allows scammers to make money.

People who take advantage of the handicapped and demented should be drawn and quartered in the town square.

Lots and lots of reasonably intelligent, well educated people fall for these things, though. No excuse for that.

[jasonnoguchi]

S-c-a-m!

[wincrasher]

Gullible, stupid, demented or retarded?

Really people?

Happy Holidays everybody!