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Scammers need a good story to get to your wallet. Once they find one that works, they use it again and again. One of their old favorites brings together fake checks and secret shopping, and we’ve been hearing a lot about it lately.

Here’s how it starts. You get a check in the mail with a job offer as a secret shopper. You deposit the check and see the funds in your account a few days later, and the bank even tells you the check has cleared.

Now you’re off to the store you’ve been asked to shop at and report back on, often a Walmart. Your first assignment is to test the in-store money transfer service, like Western Union or MoneyGram, by sending some of the money you deposited. Or you might be told to use the money to buy reloadable cards or gift cards, such as iTunes cards. You’re instructed to send pictures of the cards or to give the numbers on the cards.

Fast forward days or weeks to the unhappy ending. The bank finds out the check you deposited is a fake, which means you’re on the hook for all that money. How does that even happen? Well, banks must make funds from deposited checks available within days, but uncovering a fake check can take weeks. By the time you try to get the money back from the money transfer service, the scammers are long gone, and they’ve taken all the money off the gift cards, too. (By the way, money orders and cashier’s checks can be faked, too.)

The moral of the story? If anyone ever asks you to deposit a check and then wire or send money in any way, you can bet it’s a scam. No matter what they tell you.

Want to avoid the latest rip-offs? Sign up for free scam alerts from the FTC at FTC.gov/Scams.

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Mom Bureau of …
October 01, 2019
Received a job lead to become a personal assistant to a gentlemen named David Best. Sounds legit. Emailing back and forth- received a large check in the mail for $3850 for my $400 upfront payment then the rest for supplies for a seminar. Ok- not fooling me. I called The back in California, the account in question on the check was flagged for fraudulent activity. So as the story goes, I am playing a long with him... I totally Missed my calling as an FBI agent. He texted me and asked me to let him know when I deposit the check to receive my list of supplies! Stay tuned.... he messed with the wrong person.
Scam Sandy
October 07, 2019

In reply to by Mom Bureau of …

I received a check for $2450 I now know it is a scam can I simply ripped this check up? But first I would like to report this, who should I contact?
DMC
October 02, 2019
Received a 2900 check in the mail today after I got something in my email about becoming a secret shopper. I know people who do this thought it be a great way to make extra income. While reading my “ assignment “ I knew it was a scam. I was to keep 400.$ of it. And an extra 100. For gas etc. I was to go to Walmart and get 3 Blank money orders, $1000.$ 1000 and one for 400.00 . I was to text them through each step. When I safely got the check. That I deposited the check, and that I will the next day get the money orders and send them right off after the secret Andress From my supervisor Ethan Knower. I am so wanting to have fun with this..... I hate scammers. I hate thief’s.
Tony R
October 03, 2019
A while back I applied for some mystery shopper job online which appeared to be a legit company. I received a check in the mail along with instructions on completing a mystery shopper task in a store after depositing the check. The check cleared, completed task as requested, the document stated I would get a bonus if completing it within 12-24 hours (which I never received), after a couple days the check bounced and there was nothing I could do. The phone number was fake, and they never responded back to my texts or emails. Already made reports with authorities, bank the check came from and attempted to find the people behind this. I am wanting to find them and take care of them. I highly recommend everyone to tell everyone about this horrible scam to avoid anything to do with sending pictures of gift cards, sending money orders to “test” the services, or anything with payment services. It’s a trap and you will never hear back from them and I wish there was a way to find them and make them pay. They are robbing from hard working people who work hard for the money they make and they’re stealing it from us. Something needs to happen to these people that are creating and sending out these scams .
Lex
October 03, 2019
I just recently fell for this scam. Needing extra income, I thought it was legit. Even sent in priority mail. Now my boyfriend and I are negative in our account 1,950. Hoping the bank will side with us. How did they not notice it was a fake check?? Any advice?? We have all the evidence and made a report with the local police.
texas8675309
October 03, 2019
So what do I need to do if I already deposit the check?
liverson
October 05, 2019

In reply to by texas8675309

Let your Bank know ASAP - and don't spend any of your "fake" money. Report the scammers.
montesi86
October 21, 2019
I received formation and a check, but my bank and the bank the check was supposed to go through noticed it was a scam and did not cash it, I'm glad that none of the other stuff happened. Unhappy person
Lili M.
October 21, 2019
These definitely scams. Just got a USPS Priority Mailer with a check for $2490.84. They asked to deposit the check in my account and for me then to buy 2 $1000 money orders from the post office and I am to evaluate the post office on the service I received. Then to leave the money orders blank and send them via FedEx Priority Overnight...blah, blah blah. This envelope came from a person named Linda Webster in Dayton, OH. The "supervisor's" name is Kate Avon. The email is avonk and the phone numbers are 646-974-1499 & 914-206-4916.
liverson
October 21, 2019
Scammers even have my phone # and text me a congratulation about being accepted as a secret shopper. Text back "who is this?" with no response. They sent a check the next day in the mail. They want me to deposit then shop at CVS buying Best Buy gift cards in CASH. Email scam address is retailsurvey . Mail fraud too as check sent through USPS.
Appalled
October 05, 2019
I just opened a priority mail envelope with a money order of $998 in it with a letter of assignment as well. I also received a threatening text message stating that they were going to send the authorities to me for using the money order for my own use. I responded informing them that I hadn’t used the money order because I just opened the envelope. After there response to me, in caps, I realized that this was truly a scam, so I decided to mess with them. I asked why they were so angry and that I don’t appreciate them using all caps in the text messages because I haven’t done anything to them. They stopped using all caps and stopped texting altogether. Lmbo!!! Isn’t there anybody we can report them to? Is there no way for computer geeks to find out who the hackers are? The text messages are coming from 1-307-622-6318.
negrajoyus
October 21, 2019
my God I received the check last week, I deposited the check back there they contacted me and I deposited again as it came back I decided to search the internet and came across many stories here like mine what I do now
MoremoneyATM
October 05, 2019
Since it’s a scam. Do that mean I have to actually do what they say? Can I just cash the check and keep it lol? So what if it comes back
lol
October 17, 2020

In reply to by MoremoneyATM

the check is fake. it will bounce back. you will owe the bank the amount on the check + a fee. how would this be a scam if they sent you real money and asked you to send it back? lol come onnnnn
Marcia
October 07, 2019
Just got a check written on Comerica Bank for $2,800. Instructing me to cash at my bank, etc. and shop in Walmart. Same old scam. Sad that this is still going on. I may be a senior, but I am certainly not falling for this garbage. Very sad.
Lindag
October 08, 2019
Just received a check for $2250 to buy gift cards from Walmart. The check came via UPS. It was from Forrester Research, the bank was MT Bank. Signed by Nestor Garcia. Couldn’t. Verify website. What a scam. So glad I researched this.
RaineyDay50
May 31, 2020

In reply to by Lindag

Received a package via priority mail, regarding an opportunity as a secret shopper. The instructions was on Maritxcx's letterhead, enclosed with a check in the amount of $2,450. Unknowing how secret shopping worked, I thought it legit; since I'd actually applied online. What raised a flag? There was alot of typos, content delivered as if English wasn't his first Language. Yet, the company used is actually successfully thriving. Typos though? So, I was instructed to deposit the check, once cleared I should immediately began work; but not before buying (2) Walmart gift cards, and (2) CVS Vanilla gift cards..totaling $2k. Well, as for the remaining $450.00, that would be for my labor. I deposited the check mobilely, before executing due diligence. I firstly, researched the company, then Nestor Garcia himself. This led me to the Better Business Bureau, where I found a single fraud complaint. I then went further, contacting Arrowhead Credit Union where the check was drawn. I'm still awaiting a response, although I'm aware that its fraudulent activity. Lastly, I contacted my bank since the check hasn't cleared; and plan to speak with an investigative team. The depth people will go to scam is horrendous. I'd equate all this manipulation, lies, and energy to a fulltime position. Why not just get a job?
Tnwmn
October 08, 2019
I.received a check in mail along with letter telling me what they wanted. I didn't do anything I knew it was a scam. If something sounds too good to be true it usually is. Why some people do this is beyond me. People r struggling to make ends meet and then these scammers come along.
Sara.ac1986
October 21, 2019
Who do we report this to? Same story, LinkedIn friend I trust messaged me, then I got an email saying they’re sending me a check for $1900, $350 of it for commission, and I’m to buy 3X$500 gift cards from either Best Buy of Walmart, send them pics of the scratched off codes. Email is sig-services and the phone number is 011-503-7476-7799.
Crazy people
July 13, 2021

In reply to by Sara.ac1986

Any number with 011 or I would just pay attention to the figure of speech any check that big that anyone needs to do and I keep free $$$ is a scam soon as I hear hello lol I have 100,000 fake checks I am going collect them and just let the scammer or scamist think he's two cool and too quick
Ann
October 09, 2019
Check from first international bank, williston, nd for 2,490$ ...remitted deserie Shull... check from Linda Webster, Dayton Nv ...for secret shopper job. Wanted 20.83$ in cashier check .
Muata
October 09, 2019
I just got my check for $2985.00 that was actually written on a Bank of America check! It's a good thing that my wife can smell a scam from a mile away, so her skepticism made me do a little research on the internet. Once I found this page, I knew for sure that I was being scammed. Like the old saying goes, "If it's too good to be true ... hold on to your wallet and run!" Here's the number they texted me from (510-972-3217) and the fake name was Nicholas McElroy from WeCheck LLC (which is actually a real company that the scammers are using).
Rajdeep Mamtani
October 09, 2019
Same thing happened with me. I fell prey to this stupid scam. It looked suspicious from the beginning but I was too naive. Is there any way I can get my money back. People who've fallen to such scams, is there a solution to this misery?
junebugDon't u…
October 09, 2019
I just received a priority mail with check for $1850 from Secret Customer (??) supposedly the name of the firm. I was urged to todeposit the check, then email Charles Bates,, Field Agents Inc. to confirm deposit and get my "assignment"!!! How I wish it was legit as the money is welcomed...but NO WAY....THIS IS A SCAM!!! The check is drawn on the Horizon Trust Company Inc in Albuquerque, NM but also has another bank name: on it; BankUnited on 5th Floor Avenue (??? hows that for a made up name) in New York, NY. BEWARE...do not fall for this.
Senior Shopper
October 10, 2019
I was contacted through LinkedIn by a former colleague, offering an opportunity to secret Shop. I assumed it was mystery shopping Assisted Living Facilities, which was our connection, so I expressed interest. I was contacted by a company named "Grass Roots Mystery Shopping, LLC" and sent several text messages and a survey about my qualifications. All communications were via text message, until I was approved for my first assignment. Just today I received a Check in the amount of $2,985.00 from an unknown person in Texas. Not anything to do with Senior Living and not at all what I expected! There were instructions enclosed, stating I am to deposit the check at my bank, purchasing a $20 money order, and wait for the funds to clear. Then I am to visit the Apple store and purchase two gift cards totaling $2600.00. I was told the second instructions would arrive shortly after, which will instruct me to visit the Apple store again , use the Gift Cards for purchasing items for $2600. Then the items plus cashiers check for $20 will be collected by a verified agent outside of the store. This is a TOTAL SCAM! I am reporting GRASS ROOTS MYSTERY SHOPPERS and will turn the check in at my bank to report FRAUD.
IMwhatIM
October 10, 2019
So I received this same type of scam and the person asked me to deposit this check and then send money through the post office to see if their services are blah blah blah....how do we report these people?
Tytalan
October 11, 2019
I just got one of these checks. It’s started with a emailed job offer that sounded legit but instead of instruction and paperwork I get this check with the same instructions deposit the check than get 2000.00 in Visa cards. Once that was done I was supposed to send them a picture from my phone. Do people really fall for this. The check up front should send all kinds of warnings bells.
PinkEinVA
October 11, 2019
Same scam here. Rcvd a Treasurers check from Triangle Credit Union for $2,852.30. Instructed to purchase $2500 of reloadit gift cards from 2 stores & keep $300. Found this article so knew it was a scam. Shame on these scammers!
Liz2old
October 12, 2019
Received a check for 3,519.66 today and was told to but reloadable cards with 3,000, pay for cards and keep $450 for myself. Decided to look up scams and decided to contact the authorities after the holiday on the 13th which is a Monday. So glad I decided to check k this out. Please watch out for these scammers especially if you are a senior which I happen to be 75yrs old and not stupid. If it sounds too good to be true, it is especially when there is no company name and the check has a different name than the contact person (John Taylor) Do not deposit the check.
George 2nd. 1999
October 21, 2019
Received notification from David hall with congratulations for being chosen as a mystery shopper for Walmart, Target, Best Buy and CVS. The message was sent to my message site with instructions to notify him as soon as the check arrived. I deleted this from my messages. The next morning, there was indeed a check, $2999.00 from David Hall, which had been delivered by FedEx. When I read the letter which told me to purchase these eBay gift cards, take my $450.00 off the top, and take pictures of the back of the cards, mail back to him, I was perplexed. The name of the bank the cashiers check was printed on was Wellesleys bank. I googled the bank, the situation also, and finally this site and I see the scam is fairly common. The heading on the bank is Technology Insurance Special Risks 28 Haven Rd. Wellesley, MA 02481 The signature looks suspect, not really lik e David Hall. The tele, 316/330/9069 Email: davidhall The letter sent from the scammer was very difficult to understand and I had to read it several times to understand. Such a sad way to steal from innocent people.
Coming to Minnesota
October 21, 2019
My husband got an email from a job posting site. He is currently home and answered the email thinking it was an opportunity to secret shop. He received a check today from IQ Credit Union-Po Box 1739, Vancouver, Wa 98668 in the amount of $1459.52. A copied note was inside telling him to go purchase $1000 worth of eBay gift cards, scratch off the silver and send a photo of them to surveyevaluationreports@ . My husband's name is on the check along with: Brenden S Larkin. So glad I looked this up. It's terrible how this can happen and scammers get away with it. What is wrong with society anymore? The signature on the check is from Yelly Geluadu.
snjmiller
October 16, 2019
I received a check today for $1967 and a "confidential" letter telling me to get 1600 in gift cards. Scratch off the back and send a picture. It's an obvious scam. Glad I didn't cash the check! I DO work with some reputable companies doing "secret" shopping. I wonder how these folks got my address.
L. C. Wilks
October 18, 2019
I wish you had where I could attach the scam mystery shopper letter, address, phone number, and fake check, so all could see. Just got a priority letter,with instructions and a fake check.
sexy62chocolate
October 19, 2019
Just received a UPS hand delivered check for 2543.78 to buy EBay cards totaling 2,000 keep 500.00 for myself and use 43.00 for gas. The check was drawn on Carrico Implements which is a legit tractor company in KS with three stores no phone number on the check but the website is on line, definitely a scam! Thanks for this website.
NESSIE
October 20, 2019
Glad I checked this out before depositing the check. I am on a fixed income and there is no way I could cover this big a loss. These people should be ashamed to take advantage of people like this!
Mel
October 20, 2019
I just received the fraudulent check in the mail and I have not deposited it this person posing as John Taylor will never get a dime from me however i want to know why they can trace all the information he sent to me? The checks these banks are supposedly coming from are legit banks. I looked it up.
Tmo
October 21, 2019
I received a pkg by ups with a 2500 dollar check with an assignment to shop at Walmart. From Las Vegas, NV. Forrester group. Evergreen pkging company.
watch out!
October 21, 2019
Received an email on my school account about LITTORAL CONSUMER METRICS. I signed up for it and received a check for $2950 and deposited it. Started to get suspicious about the legitimacy of the check and called the bank it was issued by. Fake check! Immediately called my bank and told them the check was fraudulent and i didn’t know. BE CAREFUL AND DONT TRUST LITTORAL CONSUMER METRICS!!!
Ginger.
October 21, 2019
Don't Fall for Fake Check Scam. I got a check for $2,890.00 to buy 2 gift cards to Apple store no way. Check was out of Ohio. If you get a gray or white package with a fake label on it and a person name from anyone in USA, not a real cashier check. These people buy check's online and used their own computer and printer to SCAM you out of your money. Don't do it, waste of time for someone to Steal your hard working money. Just because they are to lazy to get a JOB. I also got one last year too. I took it back to post office or take it to your local sheriff office. don't answer the phone or text messages just delete them right away. BEWARE OF FAKE CHECK SCAM. AMERICA HAS TO FIGHT BACK.
flyguy
October 22, 2019
I received a text earlier today stating that I was receiving a secret shopper package which arrived in Priority Mail envelope. The envelope contained a check for $2467.00 and letter asking me to purchase $2100 in Ebay Gift Cards and ti keep the $367. I am then supposed to scratch off back to expose numbers and send photos of front and back of each card. It also says that I must complete this in 2 days. Is there an agency that we should report this to and provide the documents?
Rose86
October 23, 2019
I just received a check for $2,850. From National Shopperslink. I was told to buy 2 apple gift cards each for $1300 and to keep $250 for my wage. Also to scratch the codes and send pictures along with receipts. Names they gave me were Mr.Raymond Ward, Julian Conard and the number on the paper and also the one that's texting me is 775-505-4558, also the emails are shoppers@ national shopperslink. com and shoppersworldca @ Red flags all over. These people need to be stopped.
ANNE
October 22, 2019
Hi, Just received one today but due to them asking me to deposit into my own account plus scratching so they can see ( on the pic I'm supposed to send) the number on the Ebay gift card that I'm supposed to buy, I got really suspicious. On top of it, the letter does not have a company name and looks very unproffesional. I do understand that it's easy to fall for this scam, especially if you're younger and not sure what to question. Glad I found this info.here. The check will be shredded quickly:)))
Pilwil
October 22, 2019
I just recieved a check in the mail. They saying to email them and let them know that I have recieved the check. They will email me back on instructions what to do. The banks adress is legit. Just wait for what they tell me to do. Is there a way to report them and maybe try to catch them??
kabton
October 22, 2019
So glad I checked. This was the exact scenario from Forrester Research to shop 2 Walmart stores and the same/copy and give numbers. My husband was mad that I stopped him from depositing the check as we really need the money. Thanks for everyone’s comments.
Daisey John
October 25, 2019
I received the cheque for 2900 dollars from James Smith and asked me to deposit it. Send them back 5 500$ gift cards from Walmart. Luckily I googled and got to know about the scam. I didn't fall for it. Thanks
SuzzS.
October 25, 2019
I got a check in the mail today for 2,985.00 together with a mystery shopper instruction list. The list reads to purchase 2 Apple gift cards for 1,300 each and my “salary was $335.00 and to text 305 8538782 as soon as I’m done for further instructions. At first glance I saw the check and it seemed legit so I googled the return address and it seemed like a legit office space. but it just seemed sketchy. The fact that they’ll send you a check for such a big amount. So please do your research before you do these type of jobs!
Old veteran
October 25, 2019
Ardent services inc. Tried to scam me. My bank kept bit didnt cash the fake check.
Noelle
October 25, 2019
A friend was contacted by a Linkedin contact about a mystery shopper position and he forwarded the info to me. The company is called "Signals" and I filled out my info. Immediately received an e-mail saying I was accepted as a mystery shopper and a check would be post and mailed. I was immediately suspicious and did some online research, so I knew it was a scam before the check even arrived. I received the check via Priority Mail, and the check was from someone named Maureen Rigs and the bank was CHASE in San Juan Capistrano, CA. The address on the check was San Juan Capistrano, but the return address on the envelope was Lose Angeles. Then I received an e-mail with instructions to purchase gift cards from Wal-Mart and/or other stores. I informed the CHASE bank and and the account is a real account, though I'm sure the check is fake. I gave them all the info they needed to shut it down and give law enforcement evidence.
Catfishjim78
October 26, 2019
I just recieved a check for 2,350 and was asked to deposit it into my checking account and take 2,000 to two different walmarts and get several 400 dollar gift cards and then scratch off the numbers and send them to a individual from wh6i have looked up and the advice I received from my bank this is most likely a scam
Don't use youR…
October 26, 2019
I received a blessing order in the amount of $1,000 a blank money order a blank postal money order in the amount of $1,000 I'm sorry I am to receive 200 out of this 1,000 800 is 2 gift cards from the store CVS Walmart Walgreens this day is not to talk to me Kroger Best Buy hours since Harrison Teeter add to cash this money order at the counter of my bank and proceed with the assignment the daily I have to purchase eBay gift cards worth 800 with cash or debit card Andy and blow off of a guideline to follow to follow while purchasing the eBay gift card how long it took name on smartness of the staff customer service professionalism and so on are about 6 questions after all this I am too key detail make sure that the cards are activated when I leave the store open it and the silver scratch off gently capture images of car front and back and purchase receipt iPhone cameras are acceptable I accept it after filling the silver scratch off the car take a clear picture of the pinkos take a picture of the gift card one by one do not discard the card as they will be used for my subsequent assignments I'm supposed to email my information to update evaluate the value report which which is update ezal report 20019 at outlook.com the same for at yahoo.com sincerely @2019intershopinc Consult EvaluationServey Team Los Angeles CA
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