Are there real mystery shoppers

Contacting the Better Business Bureau or the Minnesota Secretary of State or performing an Internet search on the company will often reveal whether it is a legitimate company. Beware if the company is based in a foreign country or requires you to contact or send money to an individual in a foreign county.

Attempt to determine the authenticity of a check by researching and contacting the company and issuing bank listed on the check. Obtain the contact information for these entities, however, through other legitimate sources. Do not use the contact information on the check. If you have received materials that you believe may be a Secret Shopper Scam, or you have fallen victim to such a scam, you may wish to contact the following agencies:. Paul, MN www. Paul, MN or www.

For years, scammers have duped people into wiring money using wire services. Today, scammers are increasingly asking people to pay money with reloadable, pre-paid debit cards. Share on Facebook. Email This Link. Share on Twitter. Share on Pinterest. Share on LinkedIn. Most Read. Governor-Elect Youngkin lays out day one priorities for administration.

Powhatan man safely located after last seen walking away from home. Latest News. How the federal infrastructure bill could help the metro-Richmond area. The consumer then questioned what just happened and called the business number provided only to find out it was disconnected.

When it comes to scams, it can help to know if you'e a likely target. And spouses of military members, veterans and others looking for extra cash are well advised to watch out for too-good-to-be-true job interviews and emails.

Maybe the job offers high pay. Or maybe the big attraction is the chance to work remotely and with flexible hours. Or maybe someone is just happy to see any kind of job. Military spouses may feel stressed out after a long job search in a new area and may let their guard down, too. One military consumer in Virginia, for example, was happy to receive an email from a talent acquisition manager saying that she was selected for a shortlisted online interview. She did the interview and, no surprise, was hired right away.

Fortunately, the check didn't arrive as expected, she became skeptical and talked with her bank, which warned her that the check was likely fake and she'd be held responsible for paying any money back. More: Consumers lose thousands to fake credit repair scheme. More: Don't do your boss any favors buying gift cards — it's likely a scam.

Some scam networks have netted crooks millions of dollars in recent years, as the con artists try to sound like the real deal and build relationships on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, according to federal authorities. Share with twitter. Share with linkedin. Share using email. Have you seen this scam? A mystery shopper job requires you to pay up front to get started. Do research a company that offers you a secret shopper gig.

Do be careful about what data you provide in an application to be a secret shopper. Scammers solicit personal information they can use to steal your identity. Also From AARP Avoid internet crooks when searching online for a job Veterans, military spouses top targets of employment scams 13 Costco scams warehouse shoppers should beware Video: Ways to avoid fake check scams.

Published October 13, About the Fraud Watch Network Whether you have been personally affected by scams or fraud or are interested in learning more, the AARP Fraud Watch Network advocates on your behalf and equips you with the knowledge you need to feel more informed and confidently spot and avoid scams.