The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office is warning residents of a recent scam that asks people to partake in a secret shopper program, duping them to hand over nearly $3,000.
The scam works like this: You'll receive a priority mail envelope in the mail with a check for $2,972.00 made out to the homeowner and instructions on enrolling in a secret shopper program, providing undercover surveys for local businesses.
The instructions tell you to cash the check and use $2,600 of it to buy four $650 pre-paid credit cards and use the rest for "expenses" while conducting the survey.
Then, you are instructed to give "John" the numbers to the pre-paid credit cards. "John" will then immediately withdraw the funds.
The scam works because the check will bounce and before you notice, you're buying the pre-paid credit cards with your own money.
"Suspects utilizing this scam technique rely on a timeline where the victim follows the directions immediately after depositing the check and before the bank notifies them the check is fraudulent," YCSO said in a press release.
YCSO also included tips from the Federal Trade Commission to avoid a secret shopping scam:
- Do your research. Most legitimate secret shopper jobs are posted online by reputable marketing research or merchandising companies. A quick internet search can help you verify the company’s reputation, legitimacy, or flag any complaints. Scammers like to use the names of well-known companies like Home Depot or Wal-Mart to gain your trust.
- Never wire money to someone you don’t know. Wiring money is the same as sending cash – once you send it, you can’t get it back. The same goes for pre-paid cards- never give the card numbers to someone you don’t know.
- Never agree to deposit a check from someone you don’t know. If the check turns out to be a fake, it will eventually bounce. And since you are responsible for any deposited checks to your account, you will owe the bank the money you withdrew.
- Never give your personal or financial information out online. Guard your personal information, and treat it as if it were cash. Refrain from entering your Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers online or by phone to someone who gets in touch with you.
Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260.