Jobs and Work
Mystery Shopper Scam
Mystery Shopper Scam explained in plain English: what to watch for, what to do, and how to practice safely.
Example message
Deposit this check, buy gift cards, and send photos of the codes.
What it is
Mystery Shopper Scam is a jobs and work scheme where an ordinary message, call, email, or chat is shaped into an urgent request. It is designed to make you act before checking the source.
How it works
The scam usually starts with a believable prompt such as: “Deposit this check, buy gift cards, and send photos of the codes.” From there, the person is pushed toward a link, payment, code, document, or conversation before they can verify the request independently.
Red flags
- Fast hiring with little screening
- Upfront fee or equipment payment
- Request for SSN too early
- Personal account used for business money
What to do
- Do not use the link, phone number, or payment instruction from the message.
- Do not use your funds or gift cards for a job assignment.
- If you entered information or sent money, contact your bank or account provider immediately and save screenshots.
If it already happened
- Stop communicating with the sender.
- Do not send more money or codes.
- Contact the real company, bank, platform, or agency through an official channel.
- Save the message, number, email, and screenshots.
Prevention tips
- Save official websites and app links instead of trusting message links.
- Pause when a request adds urgency, secrecy, or an unusual payment step.
- Do not use your funds or gift cards for a job assignment.
- Practice the related eSafe Academy training before a real message arrives.
Related scam guides
Practice safely
Try the matching training scenario
Every guide ends with practice. Use the eSafe Academy training flow to rehearse the safe response before a real message arrives.