Mystery Shopper

• Victims receive email or U.S. mail urging them to apply as a mystery shopper; they must send a resume & are subject to background checks.
• Fraudster sends the "shopper" a check with instructions to shop at a specific retailer, for a specific time frame, and spend a specific amount while taking notes on the retailer (environment, color, payment procedures, etc).
• "Shopper" returns to evaluate the ease and accuracy of wiring money from the retailer; they must wire a portion of the check they receive after purchasing the merchandise as well, and the remaining balance is the "shopper's" pay.
• After all steps are completed, the "shopper" learns the check is counterfeit and is then responsible for the money lost & fees!!!