Secret-Shopper Scam Takes 1st Local Victim

We've all seen the ads promising you can make money as a mystery shopper, but one local woman had to foot the bill for what ended up being a fraud.

By: Meredith Miles | NBC4i.com
Published: February 17, 2009

CENTRAL OHIO -- A local woman looking to make some fast cash as a mystery shopper had to foot the bill for what ended up being a fraud.

The victim, who wished to remain anonymous, said she received a check for almost $4,000 from a Canadian agency, who asked her to check out a Columbus company's customer service.

She was told to cash the check and send back all but $376, which she was to keep for herself. After trying to cash the check, she found out it was a counterfeit and had to repay the money out of her own pocket.

"When it comes to looking for a part-time job or anything online, you have to watch what you click on," she said.

The Better Business Bureau wanted to be sure others do not fall victim to these fraudulent secret-shopper schemes by offering these tips:

• Confirm a secret-shopper company's legitimacy by checking with the Mystery Shopping Providers Association at mysteryshop.org.

• Independently verify that any checks received are drawn from an actual account at a legitimate financial institution.