Mystery shopping, (fake) checks, and gift cards (2024)

FAQs

How to know if a mystery shopper is legit? ›

Search online for the name of the company or person who's hiring you, plus words like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” See what others are saying. Never agree to deposit a check to buy gift cards and send the numbers back as part of a mystery shopper job — or any job. Only scammers will say to do that.

Gift card draining

Scammers do this by going into stores and stealing unpurchased gift card numbers and PIN codes. While gift card numbers and PIN codes are sealed so that no one can see them, scammers unseal them and then reseal them so they don't look like they've been tampered with.

Don't apply for mystery shopping jobs that guarantee you'll make a lot of money. Only scammers make these guarantees. And only scammers say that you'll be able to quit your job and do this full-time. Mystery shopping jobs are typically part-time work and don't usually pay enough to replace a full-time job.

Scammers will tell you which gift card to buy (and where).

Sometimes they'll tell you to buy cards at several stores, so cashiers won't get suspicious. The scammer also might stay on the phone with you while you go to the store and load money onto the card. If this happens to you, hang up. It's a scam.

Mystery shopping is a method of testing the quality of services. It can be used to test the quality of products, customer service, or employee performance.

Disadvantages of Mystery Shopping - Insufficient Data, Biased Data, Workforce Anxiety. Mystery shopping has become a popular method for companies to gather data and assess the quality of their services. However, despite its benefits, this method has its fair share of disadvantages.

When in contact with the gift card company, ask for your money to be returned. This is often on an individual basis, but if the money was frozen or not yet accessed by the scammer they might be able to give you your money back.

So, if a gift card scam happens to you, act fast: Report it to the gift card company. Tell them you were scammed. Give the gift card company the information from your receipt or a copy of the numbers on your gift card.

Here's how it works: Someone steals a gift card and then copies the card number and security code before resealing it, making it difficult to notice it's been compromised. When another person later purchases the card and puts money on it, the scammer then takes the money, or “drains” the card of its funds.

Your payment for successfully completed evaluations will be made directly into your nominated bank account within 2-3 weeks of the month following your shop. For example, if you complete a project any time in April, you can expect payment from the second or third week in May.

What is the best mystery shopper company? ›

One of the fastest ways to spot theft is to regularly review debit and credit card statements. Pay attention to fraud alerts. If your bank or credit card alerts you of suspicious activity, look into claims by going to the website yourself or calling the official number.

Dating sites and social media are hotspots for fraud. Here, scammers invest time building friendly or romantic connections online, gaining victims' trust before requesting gift cards. They'll convince them the cards are for emergencies or transportation to finally meet in person, then disappear once they get the money.

Can gift cards be traced? Yes, depending on the seller and what detection methods they have in place. While most gift cards don't require personal information to buy, retailers can keep records of when and where each card was bought. So if a serious crime occurs, gift card data can be traced back to a physical store.

Some mystery shopping companies may require you to mail in your receipts. If that is the case, it is in your best interest to mail a clear photocopy and keep the original for yourself. You want to have a copy of the proof of your shop as well! Most companies will ask that you scan and email your receipt or fax it in.

Most shopping companies will tell you the same thing. If you are approached DO NOT reveal yourself. Simply thank them for their time or wish them a nice day, leave and contact your scheduler immediately.