Mystery shopper scam warning

PEOPLE are being warned to watch out for a new scam being targeted at those who apply to be mystery shoppers.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Jun 2011, 16:45 BST

Police said members of the public are being targetted by scammers requesting for bank details.

A police spokesman outlined the scam.

“After successfully applying for the post a cheque will be forwarded to the mystery shopper to set up their account,” he said. “Prior to lodging the cheque, the mystery shopper will receive a request for banking details and a request for them to lodge money in a Western Union account, to assist with the administration of the account.

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“The funds are guaranteed based on the validity of the cheque received but when the cheque is then presented to the bank to recoup the money paid, the cheque will bounce and the scam completed.”

Police are advising anyone who has replied to similar ads to avoid exchanging any personal or financial details, and to contact local police on 0845 600 8000. Alternatively information about crime can be passed anonymously via the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111.