The secret shopper scam comes across as so legitimate, you might not even know you’re being scammed at first.
For many, being a “secret shopper” has proven to be a fun and lucrative way to make a little extra money. Unfortunately, the rise in unemployment has seen a rise in employment scams and that means there could be a secret scumbag behind that offer to make you into a secret shopper.
To bring some of you up to speed, being a secret shopper means going undercover as a customer at a select store or business and recording the entire experience. The data you collect and are subsequently paid for translates into a valuable marketing tool for interested parties.
However, a secret shopper scam comes across as so legitimate, you might not even know you’re being scammed at all. Many start off with a formal interview process over email with individuals being told to submit resumes for the purpose of a background check. You even receive official directions to shop at an actual store.
The trap springs shut once you’re done and flush with the excitement of a job well done and the promise of money on the way. Just one small detail to take care of and that’s your account information so your payment can be directly deposited.
In reality, the crooks just get direct access to your personal information and, voila, you’re a part of a growing number of identity theft victims.
The FBI says other versions of the scam involve counterfeit checks and wire fraud. The really lousy side of this is that it takes advantage of decent people looking to make a little extra cash in these difficult times.
Don’t let these vultures get close enough to work their scam on you. The following is advice to protect you or someone you know who might be looking to cash in on an email offer that sounds too good to be true.
Do your research! Not all secret shopper positions are phony and careful research online can help you determine the real deal versus a bogus operation.
Don’t reply to spam email. Ever.
You should avoid clicking on links inside unsolicited or unknown email.
Don’t fill out forms in email messages that ask for your personal information.
A reputable business won’t ever charge an application fee.
If your secret shopper assignment includes a sent a check for “payment in advance” and you are asked to send a portion back, treat that as the mother of all red flags and stay away!
Believe it or not, there are legitimate operations out there that can provide you with a valuable secondary income. Do your homework, know what you’re getting into and be as miserly as “Scrooge McDuck” when it comes to your personal information. By doing so,you’ll effectively debunk secret shopper scams and other employment cheats.
