Frequently Asked Questions
About Mystery Shopper Scam
1 What is Mystery Shopper Scam?
Fake mystery shopping jobs requiring upfront payment.
2 How does Mystery Shopper Scam work?
Victim receives check and instructions to evaluate money transfer services Deposits check, wires portion to scammer as part of evaluation Check bounces days later, victim owes bank the full amount
3 How can I protect myself from Mystery Shopper Scam?
Legitimate mystery shopping is free to join Never cash checks for employers Research the company Verify with MSPA
4 What should I do if I'm a victim of Mystery Shopper Scam?
If you've been targeted by Mystery Shopper Scam, stop all communication with the scammer immediately. Document all evidence including messages, transactions, and contact information. Report to local police and file a complaint with the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. Contact your bank if any financial information was compromised.
5 How do I report Mystery Shopper Scam?
Report Mystery Shopper Scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint, your local police department, and any platforms where the scam occurred. For internet-based scams, also report to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.