Beware of mystery shopper scam that sends check in mail

Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Beware of mystery shopper scam that sends check in mail 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Whether you're looking to get some extra money for the holidays or want some extra in the bank, mystery shopping sounds like a fun and simple option. But while some mystery shopping opportunities are legitimate, many are scams.

One area woman was smart enough to do a little research before she got involved and it saved her thousands. She wants to warn others so they don't fall for it.

What seemed like an exciting opportunity was right at Lisa Scott's fingertips.

"It came through my email as "mystery shoppers for Christmas." It's always been something I wanted to do and thought it was exciting, so I answered the email," Scott said.

She provided her name and address. She'd heard of the opportunities before, but wasn't sure how they worked.

"When I got home from work, there was the priority mail envelope with a check for $3,800, along with instructions of what I was supposed to do," Scott said.

The letter reads, out of that $3,870, Scott would keep $400 for herself and buy $1,700 worth of Walmart gifts.

"They encouraged me to complete it all within 24 hours and I will get a bonus. If I did that, they would wire me an extra $100 if I did it within 24 hours," Scott said.

She said it was hard to know what to make of it all. There was no letterhead, no address or phone number.

The check looked legitimate and appeared to be a certified cashier's check.

"So, I'm thinking, 'OK, this could be a legitimate,' but when I called the bank, they said it was a fraudulent check and many people have received that same check," Scott said.

Realistic-looking checks, like the one Scott received, is one reason so many people fall for the scam.

"That check is fake. When you deposit it in the bank, it will bounce, and when that check bounces, all the money that you spent on it, you are responsible for," said Angie Barnett, of the Greater Maryland Better Business Bureau.

Barnett said there are legitimate mystery shopping opportunities are out there.

"Look up at the companies, but most importantly, stay away from the unsolicited scams," Barnett said.

Scott saw the red flags and she wants others to be on the lookout, too.

"I would say, do your research because that check with the bank name and address on it, it was easy to look up and verify the check really wasn't going to go," Scott said.

​BREAKING NEWS | ALERTS: Find out first: Get breaking news sent directly to your inbox, plus Chron.com's top morning and afternoon headlines.