Skip to main content

Scammers need a good story to get to your wallet. Once they find one that works, they use it again and again. One of their old favorites brings together fake checks and secret shopping, and we’ve been hearing a lot about it lately.

Here’s how it starts. You get a check in the mail with a job offer as a secret shopper. You deposit the check and see the funds in your account a few days later, and the bank even tells you the check has cleared.

Now you’re off to the store you’ve been asked to shop at and report back on, often a Walmart. Your first assignment is to test the in-store money transfer service, like Western Union or MoneyGram, by sending some of the money you deposited. Or you might be told to use the money to buy reloadable cards or gift cards, such as iTunes cards. You’re instructed to send pictures of the cards or to give the numbers on the cards.

Fast forward days or weeks to the unhappy ending. The bank finds out the check you deposited is a fake, which means you’re on the hook for all that money. How does that even happen? Well, banks must make funds from deposited checks available within days, but uncovering a fake check can take weeks. By the time you try to get the money back from the money transfer service, the scammers are long gone, and they’ve taken all the money off the gift cards, too. (By the way, money orders and cashier’s checks can be faked, too.)

The moral of the story? If anyone ever asks you to deposit a check and then wire or send money in any way, you can bet it’s a scam. No matter what they tell you.

Want to avoid the latest rip-offs? Sign up for free scam alerts from the FTC at FTC.gov/Scams.

Search Terms
fake check
gift cards
scam
secret shopper
Topics
Jobs and Making Money
Scams
All Scams
Job Scams

It is your choice whether to submit a comment. If you do, you must create a user name, or we will not post your comment. The Federal Trade Commission Act authorizes this information collection for purposes of managing online comments. Comments and user names are part of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) public records system, and user names also are part of the FTC’s computer user records system. We may routinely use these records as described in the FTC’s Privacy Act system notices. For more information on how the FTC handles information that we collect, please read our privacy policy.

The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
  • We won’t post comments that include vulgar messages, personal attacks by name, or offensive terms that target specific people or groups.
  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

Alina
October 27, 2019
I traced back the sender’s info , the address on the envelope they sent the check in was some Thai cuisine place in Lakeport , CA. That’s when I was like “umm”
They thought I…
October 28, 2019
I received a email Saturday with instructions on how to cash the check which was through my bank. In the email it stated to go buy 3, $500 gift cards from different Walmarts. The first alarm for me was, the check had simply management center, the return address said Consumer Services. No one and I mean no one sends you free money. When I googled this was the first site that showed up. Thank you for confirming my suspicions
P.Digory
October 28, 2019
They offered a cashiers check which I could deposit and wait until it cleared before releasing the furniture. But then said they would add mover's fee to the check and I could pay the movers from that. I knew it was a scam at that point: a check for over the amount and then they get money from me & I have a bad check. Texted from 404-902-3789.
Betsy M
October 28, 2019
Just like previous comments, I also received a priorty mail envelope with a check for $2456.25 and instructions on buying Ebay gift cards from a series of stores. Immediately I knew this was a scam. I googled the name Ardent Service Inc and saw that FTC identified this as a scam. I think they got my name from an invitation email from Whole Foods to be a secret shopper. Don't fall for these scams. Check them out before you do anything stupid!
Sonisha
October 29, 2019
My mom clicked on a clickbait text and got a check for $3050 overnighted via FedEx from the "Walmart Survey Service." After looking it over, and researching it I advised her that it is a scam but she wants to open a new account and deposit it to see what happens. It mirrors everything said previously but This time they want you to evaluate my bank by purchasing a $50 cashier's check and make it out to the American Cancer Society, sending it with the report. of course, they want a few $500 Walmart cards scratched off. I remember back in the '00s my Dad getting mighty ticked off when he received a check out of the blue (with the last name misspelled) a 30k. I researched it and came up as a scam but he still rushed it to the bank, wanting to deposit it. I intervened and told them to please verify that it is legit, talking over my dad, which totally ticked him off further. I didn't care and accepted the polite cussing out. After 10 minutes the cashier came back and told him that it was fake. His jaw dropped and he turned to me "I'm sorry Sonisha, thank you for looking out for me." He never doubted me again when he got unsolicited checks. he would plop it in front of me and say, "check this out" and would be resigned when they were all fake.
missy
February 20, 2020
I JUST got this in my email and I was like "it's a scam for sure" and decided to use good ole Google! Thankfully I did- here is what my email said- (sorry for the numbers inbetween the words. It pasted like that after I copied the email) Good evening, Become our Feedback Specialist. You will be paid for shopping and dining out. Your job will be to evaluate and comment on customer service, undetected, in a wide variety of shops, stores, restaurants and services in your area. Feedback specialists are needed throughout America. You'll be paid to shop and dine out, getting free meals, free merchandise, free services, free entertainment, free travel and more. Great2pay,9fun5work,5flexible2schedule8and1no2training3required.4If1you1can2shop7 you3are7qualified! Feedback7Specialist3reports3provide8business9with8unbiased2reviews7from3a9customer4standpoint.4 This1allows2businesses7to4identify5problems5which8might8result7in9unhappy2customers7and5loss4of6sales.1 Feedback7Specialists2have3a8great6responsibility7and9are3paid5accordingly. As3a2Feedback9Specialist,1you4will3earn1$2006per3assignment,9have8a5flexible8schedule9and3hours.8 We7send7you8checks2for2your8assignments.6You2cash2each6check9and9use4our9money6to3carry9out1your3assignment.5 You7do5not9use5any9of2your7money. Why9not8give2this4a2try? To complete your application, kindly provide the following details: Full Name: Full Mailing Address (City,State and Zip Code): Cell Phone #(s): Email: Present Occupation(If ANY): We look forward to working with you. Regards, Manuel Montel Hiring Manager Email :719623
Amimax
October 31, 2019
I just received a check for $1900 and was asked to go to a local Best Buy and spend $1600 in gift cards and text the person with the info within 48 hours.
Fake Apple Sto…
October 31, 2019
A company using the name MarketVision Research used my college's site to get to students to sign up as a secret shopper and get paid up to $300 each trip. As soon as I signed up I received two checks in the mail for $2395 and numerous phone calls that showed the caller as possible scam to confirm my receipt. I looked up the company and there really is a Market Vision company and I am sure this is not it. They asked me to deposit the checks then go to the Apple store and purchase 2 gift cards for $1300 each and a verified agent will then pick up the cards or merchandise (second trip) at the store. The $335 is mine to keep and $50 will be for the next purchase. Who pays someone $300 to go to a store and purchase a gift card. Scam all day long! Returning these checks to sender.
Kapriann
November 01, 2019
I received a letter, text, email etc from "John Harvey Survey LLC" with a check for $1890. I was instructed to be a secret shopper at Walmart, purchase 3 $500 gift cards, and send pictures of the scratched off numbers back. The remaining $300 would be for me to keep, and an extra $90 if I did it within 24 hours. Anytime anyone asks for gift cards like that, scam alert! I also was suspicious of the language in the contact. There were grammar mistakes, weird punctuation, random capitalization in the letter. Businesses usually don't make these mistakes. I called the bank the check was printed from (Solutions Credit Union) and they verified it was fake and they are aware of the scam. When in doubt, always call. I was excited at first, but if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Jblaze
November 01, 2019
Just got a check today for $2800.00 with the same shipping instructions. Do I send this to Walmart? Take it to the police? I am obviously not going to cash this check.
vstar_1999
November 06, 2019
Watch out for communications from Charles H. McCurry, Brenda Henderson and Michael Storm. Sprout Shopper Retail Survey. Got a check for 2950. Asked to send back money orders.
golfcoast3
November 02, 2019
received a letter with a check for $2800.00 written on Comerica Bank via USPS today, Saturday 11-2-2019. i checked it out on the FTC fraud blog. the account pretty much described the instructions in the letter i received. thank you for saving me from falling for that. the financial damage it would have hurt me quite a bit. i noticed, as i read the letter, that the spelling of behavior was the british spelling (behaviour).
Queen Bee
November 02, 2019
When I got home today there was one in my door. Priority Mail with a check for 1,600.00 that looks very official any nicely typed letter with instructions on what to do and then and then a few hours later followed up with a text message Lakeland Florida
Cward52
November 05, 2019
I just received a check for $1950.00 from Huntington National Bank, mail to me from Jesse Elmer, 1269 27th St, San Diego CA 92154.
cesarGG
November 05, 2019
I signed up and even deposited the first check before finding out it was a scam. Now the check is still processing but what if the bank rejects it? Would i one then the $3,000 on the check? Even if i haven’t used a cent of it? Or would it just reject the check and charge me a small fee ?
Whole foods shopper
November 13, 2019
I am an Amazon / Whole foods shopper . I was sent a text regarding a secret shopper surveyor for Whole Foods . The Steve Carter (scammer) sent me a check for $2,450.52 & told me to purchase $2,000 of Ebay gifts cards . This not what signed on for & did not sound legitimate. I have not deposited the check .
punkbrewster
February 28, 2020

In reply to by Whole foods shopper

Whole Foods Shopper, this just happened to me. I too am an Amazon/Whole Foods Shopper and I received the same text messages. According to the text message I received this afternoon from “Steve Carter”, I had a package delivered to my house. However, there wasn’t anything there. I was lucky I decided to be pessimistic & look this up.
JonSolo
February 29, 2020

In reply to by Whole foods shopper

I received a text also from (515)601-2720 from a Steve Carter about being part of a Whole Foods research project. I did not click the link. Looked like a phishing scam.
PDRMovieGal
March 10, 2020

In reply to by JonSolo

I just received a text (253-358-5630) no name given also to be a part of a Whole Foods "huge research project" $400 to be a store evaluator. There was a link to complete an application but sounds too fishy to me so I did not click.
spam fraud h8r
March 14, 2020

In reply to by PDRMovieGal

Got the same text, from the same # asking me to be a Whole Foods secret shopper. So glad this site came up when I Googled the phone number! Thx!
sparkierspider
May 22, 2020

In reply to by spam fraud h8r

Received April 6: Whole Foods Market®is beginning an exceptionally huge research project in your area. This project happens each week, so we have to select Shoppers to function as a store evaluator. You will get $400 on every task. Every task requires 20-30 minutes of time at the store in addition to time to review your post-visit reports. CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO PROCESS YOUR APPLICATION: rebrand.ly/ Whole foodsmarket Human Resources Manager - Global Operations Steve Carter Then today I received this: This is Anthony Patton. You submitted your information via our SMS marketing to work as a Whole Foods Market store Evaluator. Your details have been verified and you are shortlisted as one of our representatives. Your first assignment package has been sent and will be delivered to your doorstep/mailbox via USPS Confirm you received this message by saying Confirmed. Anthony Patton -(HR. Manager)  Whole Foods Survey THANK YOU ALL FOR THE HEADS UP APPARENTLY THEY ARE STILL AT IT TRYING TO GET PEOPLE FALL FOR IT... Not this one!!!
Don't use your…
July 01, 2021

In reply to by spam fraud h8r

They are still trying because I just received the same text with a link for Whole Foods!
Sal D (Miami)
November 05, 2019
I received a USPS Priority Mail last night with a $2,450.00 check from California Bear Credit Union, the company on the package is Coinflux LLC in San Francisco, CA , the letter ask me to go buy $2,000.00 of E-Bay gift card and text them the photos on the numbers. I can keep the $450.00 different. It sounded too good to be true. Total Scam!
eds60
November 06, 2019
I’ve learned a good way to tell if checks are good or not is the company that is on checks won’t have a phone number on them and same with bank info good checks will have this information
Wezzie1975
November 07, 2019
I just recieved a check for $2,000. This is the 3rd time they have tried to get me to do this. All under different names. The name this time is Billy Price. It's really sad that people do this to others. It's a big epidemic. It's terrible that they take advantage of someone's kindness and of there situations. We as humans think this is a valid way of making money. We all can use the money. They should be able t track this people and arrest them. They not only scam but they make it hard for legal on line jobs to succeed. I wish a class action lawsuit could be formed but they are untraceable and that's the sadness. Everyone please watch out and investigate everything that seems like easy money because money don't come that easy.
Tina
November 07, 2019
got the same fat check today from HR MGR John Simpson SCAM
Letrell M.
November 07, 2019
I just received a letter and check for 1987.77 as part of a secert shopper job it ask to donate money to the cancer society then purchase eBay gift cards worth $1600.00 and to send picture comformation.
Daniel
November 08, 2019
A few weeks ago I received and email about becoming a mystery shopper. I was suspicious but curious so I mailed contact information (I hope this was not a mistake!) and a week later a letter was in my mailbox from "C. Bunn" in Sedalia MO. The letter contained a check for $1,270.00 and instructions asking me to purchase Walmart gift cards and of course, to send some money back. Sound familiar? The check was drawn on an Oklahoma bank and the logo on the check did not match the bank's logo (I checked, of course). Also, there was no BANK PHONE NUMBER o the cashier's check (a real check would have a phone number). All this added up to a rather unsophisticated scam. After another week had passed, I began receiving anonymous phone calls telling me that I needed to cask the check immediately! Hopefully this info will help somebody!
Joe
November 08, 2019
I just had this exact scam. Some guy writes official sounding emails claiming to be from the Wesley Group named James Speight (though I have no clue if that's even legit) mains me a check for $1950.00, instructs me to go to my bank's ATM and deposit the check, wait a day then go to the nearest Walmart and buy 3 $500 Gift Cards and email him a pic of the scratched off gift cards and the fake survey he sent. Nothing about it made sense. Why would you send someone to do a shopping survey just to have them get gift cards unless you're pulling a fast one?
dt7178
November 09, 2019
I just received a check in the mail for $1850, I was told to cash the check keep $300 for myself as payment and shop at 3 store near me buying 5 $100 Amazon gift cards from each store then send pictures of each card front and back to a number. I did nothing with the check and I'm debating on destroying it or taking it to the police.
Trintee
November 10, 2019
I was sent 1450.00 from option outpost I was to purchase 2 500.00 gift cards then receive 350.00 and save 100.00 for the next assignment once I purchase the cards scratch the numbers and copy the receipt to Brian the check was drawn in DC I was to text them when the check would clear the bank then I was given a small servey to complete with no followup to send it back there was a few red flags did my research threw the check away
Janise Wood
November 11, 2019
I received a check from them today. I wasn't fooled. What really makes me sick is this scam goes on and on and the people that do this have absolutely no concience. No guilt or remorse. That's not even human to benefit financially from some else. No work no effort. Simply cheating a foolish victim. Ah but there is a Hell.
Janise Wood
November 11, 2019
Watch for secret shopper...scam. Chase Bank remitter Mario Gross. Forrester research inc. Nestor Garcia. This is a scam that's beneath all pond scum. I hope our investigators can stop the crime and put these monsters behind bars. Ruthless spiteful and greedy people. There is a hell!
Suz
November 12, 2019
I just receive a motherload of money from a possible secret shopper company thru Wal-Mart. How do I find out if this is real or a scam?
Suz
November 12, 2019
How do i Find put it this is a scam? Check from Wal-Mart 1950$ Secret shopper
IMAsukr
November 12, 2019
I feel for this once before. Desperate for money to pay the bills and out of work. The little money I had, I used to buy gift cards to WalMart. Scratched off the code on the back of the card and text photos and receipt to the scammers. An hour later, I checked the balance on the cards I purchased. Figured I would use them for Christmas presents for my family. Of course, the cards were all depleted. The check that I received from the scammers bounced. So an additional $35 fee on top of the $1200 I spent. I called the scammer's number. No answer. I texted. I got a response of "Hello." I just received another mail and check and this time I called the bank that "issued" the check. No check exists. I expected that. I'm just trying to figure out who to report this to. I have saved the checks, letters, etc. I don't expect I will ever get back the $1200 + $35 I lost. But I'm hoping that some authority can catch and stop these people. From what I've read, there are many people involved. Warehouses of people making calls, sending texts, sending emails and letters. At this point, if I can help bust just one of them, that's the most I can ask for. Does anyone know who to report these frauds to?
Terri--Indiana
November 12, 2019
I was sent a "cashier''s c h eck" in the amount of $1998.00 and told I had 2 jobs to do one at Money Gram at Walmart and Money Gram at CVS and the balance, $500 would be mine as long as I wrote a report on the customer service. After doing some checking, I'm sure it's a scam.
Almostgot taken
November 13, 2019
I received the same, glad I held on to the check, they keep texting to deposit and get Walmart gift cards, thought it was too good to be true, will definitely report this to bank and FTC
Quinno
November 13, 2019
Yes, this is a real scam. All of the information shared in this website is accurate of what happened to me. I was sent a check for almost $3000 and told to deposit it right away. I too was told to buy gift cards and send pictures. This sounded like a scam for the go get, so I texted the company and they tried their hardest to convince me that it was legit. DON’T FALL FOR THIS COMMON SCAM. This company was titled “Home viewsurvey. ” but the website didn’t even exist! So sad these dirtbags still crawl around doing this to people. Don’t fall for any of this, the old saying of “if it sounds too food to be true, it isn’t”. I gave my letter and check to FedEx since the scammers used them for delivery.
Florida
November 13, 2019
After applying for secret shopper job, I received a package via USPS Priority Mail from Michael Smith with Balanced Growth Market Research containing a check from Chase Bank, in the amount of $2,555.00, and instructions. Steps to evaluate my bank in the process of cashing the check and purchasing a cashiers check for Thornwell Orphanage, shop at 3 to 5 stores from list and purchase eBay gift cards in various amounts discreetly, send picture of front and scratched off back of each gift card to 219-250-8488 and 779-901-0266. This is an obvious scam. I hope this information helps someone.
Sand fayi
November 14, 2019
I got the same check in the mail I took it to Walmart to see wat they can do & they told me to go to a check exchange so I did & as the lady was checking it she said if u go anywhere else to try to cash it they gone call the police on u.
Lola
November 15, 2019
I got one in the mail from clarion research inc but it took like 2 months the check to come and instructions .. anyone heard of clarion research inc? And did anyone actually cash a check? What happened to them?
Tracy Keller
November 21, 2019
I had received a text from 978 999-2150 asking me to be a secret shopper. It actually said Whole Foods Market is starting a huge research project in our genera vicinity. they had me click on a link rebrand. ly/ Whole- Food to start an application. When doneI received an priority mail envelope with a check for 2450.52 drawn on California Bear Credit Union at 300 S Spring St #1215 Los Angeles Ca . They are asking me to deposit the check, Then go out to any store of my choice to buy Ebay gift cards, then take an image of the card peeling off the silver scratch off area on the card and send it to info @stores evaluation. THIS IS A SCAM SO BEWARE
Secret Shopper
November 16, 2019
My husband and I received texts about being a secret shopper/evaluator for Whole Foods. I thought it was legit as we shop at Whole Foods multiple times a week as well as being Amazon Prime Customers. Were were told we made the short list and would be receiving our first assignment by end of the week due to the Monday Holiday. Sure enough, the package arrived Friday. We opened it and inside was a check for $2450.52. It asked that we purchase Ebay gift cards with $2000.00 and then keep the $450.00. Plus, if we did it within 24 hours , we would receive $150.00 extra. Oddly, both of our checks were issued from different banks ( looked unbelievably REAL) and had different senders and addresses. It asked that we fill out survey questions and take pictures of front and back of gift cards with the codes scratched off. ( HUGE RED FLAG). Then said to hold onto gift cards and they would be used for next assignment.( Just to throw us off) I am SO happy that I trusted my gut and found this site. I hope others research before they fall victim to these scams. I cannot believe that this stuff can occur. It is very sad!
Ercook11
November 17, 2019
Folks NO ONE TRUSTS NO ONE WITH ANY THING THINK FRIST !!! WOULD YOU TRUST SOMEONE WITH THOUSANDS , AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT KEEP MONIES ( THERE IS NO MONEY. SCAM ) SO WHY WOULD SOME ONE TRUST YOU ?
luckyjo
November 18, 2019
I received a money order from Best Consult Inc to buy gift cards. I thought it would be legit because it's a money order and not a check, but I hesitated and glad I did. I googled Best Consult Inc and got this page about scams. Glad I wasn't taken.
Almostpunked
November 18, 2019
I got a check for 3500.00 telling me the same thing with gift card purchases for mystery shopper. They even sent it to me via USPS priority. I looked up the bank it was supposedly drawn on. The bank gave me all of the routing numbers that they have and none of them matched. The person texted me again and I responded telling he/she their check is a fake. They tried to reassure me it was authentic. I have not heard from them since.
you tried
November 18, 2019
Just received the same envelope with a check for $4600.83, was told to go to 2 different Walmarts. Thanks to my daughter, they didn’t get to complete their scam.
tarheel
November 19, 2019
I almost deposited the check in my account as I’ve been out of work over a year trying to not be homeless again . Thank God I read all these other comments.
Return to top