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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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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

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AJ FRESH
June 09, 2020
Yep got my check today for $3,356 to go to Walmart for a suburban neighborhood in GA. I knew it was fake. No one just sends you that amount of money. I just feel bad for the people that actually think its real and get scammed.
Ashley
June 10, 2020

In reply to by AJ FRESH

Right? When does an employer ever give you 10x what you're supposed to be paid, and then ask you to go buy gift cards with the extra $$$?? It just makes no sense :( People see a check with 3-4 digits after the $, and all common sense goes out the window
SmartNSassy
June 09, 2020
Do not deposit any check you get from a stranger! I got a check today for $3,345 and detailed instructions on researching a big box store's employees. I called the bank and then destroyed the check. Listen to your gut - there's no such thing as free money. Don't fall for it. Also, props to you for coming here first.
Amy
June 09, 2020
Yesterday I recieved that check and got a text to my phone. The number they are using is 801-407-9390
Kelly
June 09, 2020
I got an email from someone on linked in telling me they did this to make money and I should try it. I applied and immediately got a check for 1873$. They told me to cash it take 350 for myself and by gift cards and send pics. Check was from Kerry and James malczewski from Michigan school and government credit union. Scam. Thank god I found this site before I cashed the check
Hawaii
June 09, 2020
I received a check for 2,630.00 on May 23 With this letter that had ALL these instructions and being a secret shopper. TOTALLY B.S. I want to catch this scammers and have them prosecuted.
Amy G
June 10, 2020
Thank you for this info. I just received a check for $2,420.82 (drawn on Northern Trust) asking me to buy $2,000 in nike gift cards and keeping the remainder as payment for my time. Letter signed by Scott Potter with Whole Foods Market logo and titled Customer Service Evaluation Tool. It came via USPS Priority Mail.
Dflidderkiddie
June 29, 2020
I received a $2000 check from Bank of Hope, which is a legitimate bake in Los Angeles. The people that wanted me to do a Walmart store shopping survey evaluation which required me to buy for Walmart gift cards totaling $1700 name is the “actionable intelligence delivery company number one employer of mystery shoppers… Their email address was surveyreports01@ number 213-267-3696. The “survey coordinator” name was Bruce Nortman, MBA...Also LOL the $2000 check came in a blank envelope with a shipping slip literally glued to it. Convincing fake check, pretty good counterfeit watermark. I’ll be contacting the FBI and offering to mail them all of this.
Jobscamers2020
June 11, 2020
My son said he got a job over the internet that paid $7000 buying and selling product. They told to get paid by opening a bank account to send him money. So far no money received. Now they say he has to go through Wells Fargo to get paid.
Kelly
June 11, 2020
Mine was from Roy Murray with a first citizens check for 2865.00. One page sent priority mail with URGENT details what to do in 3 days. I thank all with the warnings!!! They go under a slew of names, how do we report this? And respond to them.
Lady tee
June 11, 2020
Hello my ppl I just got a check an I looked up the credit union an it's real I dont know about yall but I cash an got my money so it's real to me.
CHRISTINEB47
June 12, 2020
Wow, after reading some of the comments, I would have been in REAL deep trouble. I received a check for $4,770.00 to be cashed immediately at my bank. But after reading the letter it had grammatical errors and the letter did not contain the company letterhead from which the check supposedly came. I contacted the company that supposedly offered the job and they had no idea what I was talking about. So if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
kaidenced08
June 15, 2020
If you cash the check then what happens I was behind on rent
123kume
June 15, 2020
Wow, I just received the survey packet from Employer of Mystery Shoppers. They sent a $ 2,000 check. Telling me to deposit and send 4 walmart gift card. It sound suspicious, thank God I googled it. I didn't do nothing with the check or anything. They still texting me! I'm gonna report them. Careful out there!
K22
June 16, 2020
Just received a cashiers check for 2,800$ and it asked me to be a secret shopper and buy 6 400$ gift cards . glad i read this it came in a priority mail envelope
Secret Shopper KB
June 16, 2020
I was sent a cashiers check in the amount of $2,600 to be a secret shopper for Walmart , However I contacted the Credit Union in Corpus Christy and gave the young lady the check number in the right hand corner of the check and found out that it was a FAKE check. So she informed me to contact my local authorities and get a police report on it. I was flabbergasted after what I was told. Better safer than sorry in the long run considering I'm an upstanding citizen of the United States Of .America
Mrsjcody
June 29, 2020
I received a check today from Kelton Research from a Timothy Castagne for the amount of $2,475. I’m supposed to deposit it within 3 days of receiving it and go to my local CVS or Walmart and purchase 3 American Express or vanilla MasterCard gift cards. The $400 is what I’m to be paid and the $75 is to cover transportation costs. I’m supposed to take pictures of the receipt and cards and text them to (213)814-2560 or email them to surveyreports@ It’s not going to happen.
Started with s…
June 16, 2020
Cashier's Check for $2,452 from Oregon State Credit Union, signed by Richard S. Hein. Part of "The Penny Hoarder Survey Program". Used contact numbers 402-699-8291 and 281-636-0036. Am I meant to believe the actual president of this real credit union would sign an incorrectly written check? Farce.
Cannpalmer40
June 16, 2020
This just happened to me but I misread the paperwork because ive been penniless so long I thought it was my stimulus I deposited it and started shopping now rhe bank is threatening me as well as the frauds who sent the check what do i do how do i recover.
Big Mac
June 17, 2020
Shopper/Store Evaluator LLC NancyOliver sent me a check for 1950.46 To be a Walmart store evaluator. I deposited the check and then a couple of days later the funds were not in my account due to check fraud.
MarvaSwepson
June 17, 2020
This is a SCAM I RECEIVED THIS CHECK AND OPENED SAVINGS ACCOUNT AND CHECK DID NOT CLEAR ITS A SCAM PEOPLE
DaniP.
June 18, 2020
I received 3 separate checks for $820.00 for a secret shopper job and to purchase gift cards from CVS or Kroger’s. Received the email to sign up from my college student account email for a part-time opportunity. Thankful I’m older and new this was a scam and i googled scams for secret shoppers. This could have caused true hardship for a person who really needs money, thank goodness I didn’t get scammed.
Bbygirl19
June 18, 2020
I have a check is it real
LadyJTheIrishQ…
June 18, 2020
Today, I just got a check sent to me from this place for $1,847.00! Then they are asking me to go buy $1,500 Best Buy Giftcards ! Of course the first thing I did was Google the company name and I found alot of bad information!!
Buckstar77
June 18, 2020
I recently cashed a check for over $2000 so I could become a mystery shopper. I deposited in person at my bank and they put a 48 hour hold on it, ok so far so good right? 48 hours goes by and the check clears! Yay My first assignment was to go to wal mart. Nd buy gift cards scratch em take photos and send the photos via text so they can cancel them. So I made. What was left over . Great I’m thinking a few days go by and my account is over $2099 in the hole !!! I about dropped, my bank says I’m liable even after they put a hold on the check. Now that told me they took that time to investigate the check to verify it’s authenticity? Apparently not.. what was the 48 hours for then? Why do I pay bank fees to have an insured bank account I would expect? Nope I’m liable.. it all started with me filling out a on line application for a regular job at Walmart. Are they liable. I know somebody has to take the hit. But I don’t think it’s me. Any help would’ve greatly appreciated . I’m trying to get my credit back in order and I was almost in good credit. This will be throwing my life into a trash can. The bank needs to use there insurance that I pay into. My opinion..
Smarter than t…
June 19, 2020
I just received a check for $2,340.00 sent next day air. I knew I didn't sign up for anything or give my address. Mystery shopping scams was the first thing I looked for. Thanks for the heads up. C
Texan
June 19, 2020
I just got a envelope in my mail with a Check and a letter I need to purchase 2 American Express cards $500.00 each . Nope I’m not deposit anything in my bank .. check going in the garbage.
gen2rule
August 13, 2020

In reply to by Texan

I want you to send me the email address of the scammer that send you amex check for further investigation
KNOLA
March 01, 2021

In reply to by Texan

I just got a cashier check from American Express to do exactly what you said. Get some groceries and 2 gift cards with $500.00 in each. Then go to another store and get 2 more cards. Supposed to send the pictures of the cards to them.
GeoPobe51
June 19, 2020
I got one of these and have changed my mind... something smelled fishy...
Yvette
July 01, 2020
Got a check for over 2,000 from Brody Copper asking me to buy Ebay cards and take pic of front and pack of cards and send to survey reportevaluation@ . Didn't fall for it. Glad I saw this website to confirm.
Steve
June 21, 2020
Was sent check for $3550, and told to shop at any drug store, buy what I wanted. Then they wanted me to wire $. I deposited the check but then started to question things when I noticed the man emailing me (Leon Tremblay) isn’t the same name from the check. The check is from McCarran Construction In MA, and there’s no info online for them. The return address for the letter is for a vacant house in Detroit. None of it adds up. Calling the bank in the morning to void the deposit.
beaverlee59
June 22, 2020
I received a check last thru. For 2'4900.00 and have not cashed it. I'm not sure what to do! It does not ask me to send cash anywhere. It has a Chase JP Morgan Chase bank stamp on it.And a Brescome.Barton..worldwide..Sterling stamp on it.
JLarsen
June 22, 2020
Seems like Indeed is the new feeding ground for them to get potential people. I've been sent 2 different checks in the last week. One was regarding the Walmart Secret Shopper and the other was in reference to an Administrative Assistant position!!!!
Richie
June 23, 2020
Got text from whole food market with check for 2420 they wanted to deposit ckeck and buy gift cards and send they the picture of cards scammer name scott potter
Bhart459
June 23, 2020
Received a text message from 281-841-8313 stating "Hello Shopper"... a few days later I received a USPS Priority Mail package coming from "Pent Media Inc." 650 Pecos St San Francisco, CA 94103. The package contained a overcopied / super faded instruction sheet and a check for $2950.52. The check was made out from the company AGS The Spanos Corporation 10100 Trinity Parkway 5th Floor Stockton, CA 95219 which is a real company from what I can tell but I think they are just having their identity stolen from the scammers and do not have anything to do with this fraud. The bank is listed as "Bank of the West" 13300 Crossroads Parkway North City of Industry, CA 91746 which again is a real bank but I'm sure this is no real check. They were wanting me to go to stores and by (5) $500 gift cards and send them all the gift card details i.e. pics, scratch off the code on the back etc. Just disgusting!
GDRell
June 23, 2020
This just happened to me but I discovered it was a scam before I took any action. I was already suspicious so I called the bank to ask if the check was cleared and they told me that it on hold because checks from this bank (Jefferson Financial) have bounced before. I texted the scammers and told them the finds were not available. They tried to get me to withdraw today and I just replied if you want me to buy the 4 money orders @ $1000 apiece, then I will only do it with YOUR money not mine. I was about to report it to FTC and I see it's already here, which is also very sad for the people whom they have already scammed. The Scammer name was "Mark Chris" 304-508-2441. I have reported it to my bank as a scam. They already flagged the check, thank God, but I just wanted to make sure they have all the information to protect people in the future.
Lizziedizzie
June 24, 2020
I was emailed asking if I want to be a mystery shopper ,they gave me the details of what I was supposed to do ,I emailed back saying yeah sure ....u kno easy money ,right? ..So today I receive a letter in the mail with a check for 2500$ and I'm like omg wow this is real so I show my bf and he tells me to RIP it up that it's all a big scam they had it on eyewitness news about how they scam ppl. So now I'm scared and not gonna do it ....wow yeah thnk God I have him cuz I'm naive...but yea ppl if this happens plz becareful
QueenJane
June 24, 2020
Received a check $1470 for Mystery Shopper $1200 in gift cards rest for assignment for Walmart. Text Perry Hamilton P &S Survey Group. Had to do assignment within 2 days of deposit check. Today is the 3rd day and check still not clear. From reading previous comments, if check clears, I'll just ignore it. The catch is check comes in Fedex enevlope with a return address in AR from a law firm Bowen Law Firm so reciepent thinks all is legit.
Celesteb
June 24, 2020
I just received a check for $2,950.52. Instructions to buy Nike gift cards and take photos of the cards both front and back. They said for me to take out $450 for myself. The check was from BBVA USA Birmingham, AL.
Al316
June 29, 2020
I got a check in the mail today for $2,486.09. This is supposed to be for secret shopper. The letter they sent me tells me to go buy for gift cards for $500 each. When I get the cards I'm supposed to scratch off the black on the back side of the car and find the claim code and take a picture of it and email it back to them with the front and back of the card. They also give me a name and a phone number to contact. I'm supposed to call Julius Watson at 202-852-9502 the letter also has email addresses that they want me to send it to the first email address is surveyjobs700@ also another email address surveyjobs700@ . I hope we can get these guys busted before someone Falls for it.
cocoakola$$
June 25, 2020
I ALMOST fell for this. Something kept telling me to google it to make sure it wasn't a scam. Thank God, I did. And ran across the FTC site. My check hasn't come yet. When it does, I'll turn it over to the FTC!!!
KnittingNeo
June 25, 2020
I just got one for 2900$ and guess it will get filed in circular file . Started with a text from +1 (330) 641-1722 for Whole Foods secret shopper
miss bailey
June 29, 2020
Got a check for $2462 from Richard H Price from MCU in New York. I was to buy $2100 of Ebay gift cards and keep the rest. They always insist you deposit the check IMMEDIATELY. Their email is surveyreportevaluation@
clau diacaro19
June 25, 2020
Just received one for 2480.00 to change keep 350.00 and go shop walmart gift cards for 1000 and another walmart 1000 . I guess throw it away?!
Kat
June 26, 2020
Guys, I got a check for 4,770. Told me to do 4 different money orders, then keep the rest. Too good to be true. I satellite viewed were the checks were to be sent, run down apartment. Where check came from, address didn’t exist. Address on check had no BBB. I wouldn’t cash it. Took to my bank and they had red alerts to never cash checks. Be careful and tell anyone that may try to do this to be smart. If it’s a scam they will ALWAYS ask for money orders. Don’t do it.
Breadfruit
June 26, 2020
I received a check yesterday for $2,950.52 to purchase Nike gift cards. I am told this is 100% legitimate but do not trust this. I will not do anything with this check! June 25, 2020
To good to be true
June 26, 2020
The same thing happened to me today. I was sent a package that stated for me to deposit 4,700 into my bank account. Go to any two Walmarts and get two money grams for 1000 dollars each. And I had to call a supervisor at every step. It seemed kind of fishy to me. So I decided to look up scams under the name. And it lead me here. I'm glad this was here and I decided to look more into it. Sometimes when it's too good to be true, it's too good to be true. Please be careful.
lawmaria
June 26, 2020
I just received a fake check with the same company.
cocoakola$$
June 29, 2020
So, I wrote back to the company and here is a copy of what he wrote: We are a legitimate and reputable company in the Mystery Shoppers Industries, so we are not among those fake Mystery Shoppers people you learned from the FTC website. Please note that, we already mailed out your first assignment package and it would be delivered to you tomorrow or on Monday the last so keep on the look out. Thank you, James On Fri, Jun 26, 2020 at 5:29 PM wrote: I'm no longer interested in your fictitious job since I learned you are a scam from the Federal Trade Commission!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -----Original Message----- From: Customer Research Inc.
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