Mock shopper fraud:
The risk of falling victim to mock shopper fraud is another scam to watch out for. If you are offered the opportunity to work as a mock shopper and you receive a money order for an inflated amount, be cautious and verify the authenticity of the money order before taking any action.
Scammers often offer to work as mystery shoppers, promising to pay money for certain tasks, such as evaluating customer service in a store or checking out an online store. They send you a money order that appears legitimate at first glance and contains an inflated amount of money. You are then asked to return the ‘excess’ to an account or payment system they specify.
However, such payment instructions are often fake or invalid. If you send the ‘excess’ back to the fraudsters, you will lose your money. Check the authenticity of payment instructions and do not make any transfers if you have doubts about their legality.
If you receive a suspicious offer to become a mystery shopper, be sure to check the information about the company or the person offering you the job. Never transfer money to unknown accounts or payment systems, no matter how convincing the offer sounds.
Stay alert and don't fall for the mystery shopper scam. If you notice suspicious activity or become a victim of fraud, immediately notify the police or other law enforcement authorities to prevent further criminal activity.
