How to Spot and Avoid Mystery Shop Scams
Fraud and scams have long been a problem in the mystery shop industry, and scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their tactics. Recently, we’ve been made aware of a new scam attempt using our company name, 360 Relay, and we want to help our shoppers stay informed and protected.
The Latest Mystery Shop Scam
The newest scam involves sending packages through the mail to registered shoppers. These packages may contain fraudulent checks, with instructions to cash them and purchase money orders. In some cases, scammers even use our company name in the return address.
Important: Any legitimate mystery shop company will never send funds in advance. Mystery shop payments are always made after the job is completed.
Tips to Avoid Mystery Shop Fraud
- Never accept payment upfront
- Do not cash checks, accept wire transfers, or use gift cards for mystery shops you haven’t completed. Payment only occurs after your assignment is finished.
- Be cautious with unsolicited messages
- Ignore emails or text messages from Gmail, Yahoo, or other free email services, especially if you did not sign up with the company directly.
- Avoid upfront fees
- Mystery shop companies will never ask you to pay to register. If a company requests money upfront, it’s a scam.
- Protect your personal and financial information
- Only provide the information requested in your official shopper profile. Most legitimate companies pay through Venmo, PayPal, or direct deposit. If you are asked for bank account info outside these systems, verify the company’s legitimacy first.
- Research before you work with a company
- Confirm the company’s name, physical address, and website. Always ensure you are working with a verified, legitimate mystery shop organization.
By staying alert and following these guidelines, you can avoid falling victim to mystery shop scams and keep your assignments safe. At 360 Relay, your safety and trust are our top priority.
If you do fall victim to one of these scams, you can file a police report with your local precinct, report the scam to the FBI’s Internet Crime Division, and any mail fraud can be reported to the US Postal Service.
There are many valid and legitimate mystery shop companies out there and we hope that you find the right ones to work with. As always, please reach out to us with any questions about mystery shop scams or anything else you may have questions on!