Walmart Mystery Shopper Scam - How to Detect and Protect Against It

Received a realistic looking cashier's check in the amount of $2,930 with instructions on what to do, which included buying 6 $400 gift cards, scratching off the codes, taking a picture of the cards and sending to 937-541-0841. The name for this number is Lloyd Anderson.

People, please do not fall for this!

Received a very realistic looking cashiers check with instructions on what to do, which included buying 8 $200 gift cards, scratching off the codes, taking a picture of the cards and sending to this email: thomasbruce301@gmail.com.

I'm very afraid people will fall for this.
There's also a phone number for this Thomas Bruce: 317 606-4299 and the letterhead is Marketforce.

Here is another scam:

"From: michaelj1@dandomain.dk <michaelj1@dandomain.dk>
Sent: Monday, December 4, 2017 1:26 PM
Subject: [ The; Mystery - Shoppers. ] 2017

DEAR

We have a customer service survey a'ssignments in your location,we will pay U.S500.
which would come the form of a money order for your a'ssignments.

The job entail's an evaluation process such as visiting walmart/k-mart,etc.
Following details below :

Full Name:
Full Address:
City/state/country:
Postal Codes:
A.g.e :
Phone Numbers

Regards,
Edwin Miller
Team- Recruitment"

Here is another scam:

"From: PineCone Research <scott@pineconeresearchpanel.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2017 7:27 PM
Subject: Wal-Mart Assignment

Pinecone Research tm

You are invited to participate in Wal-Mart survey for customer service satisfaction.

You will be paid $500.00 for each completed survey.

Join Now >

Operations Manager
PineCone Research
Attn: Gary Scott"

Here is another scam:

"From: James Taylor <evaluationreport@silverpointsurvey.com>
Sent: Sunday, November 20, 2016 11:04 PM
Subject: Re: [ Welcome to Mystery-Shopping ]

Dear Survey Agent,

Congratulation, you have been accepted as one of our Survey Agent who will be carrying out a comprehensive evaluation on (2) Two Walmart Stores in
your neighborhood. You will be purchasing an item or multi items personal use whereby you get to keep purchased item or items and you'd also be evaluating the money gram service at the same Walmart. So at this point, i'd like you to take note of 2 Walmart stores in your neighborhood which you'd like to evaluate in carrying out this survey.

As a Secret Agent, you're expected to act Cool, Calm and Confident throughout
the period which you will be carrying out your survey at the store in order not to arouse any suspicion.

...

Full Legal Name :
Full Physical Address with Apt no :
City :
State :
Zip code :
Cell and Home # :
Present Occupation:

Your pay for the completion of your First Assignment is $300 while it increases after every completed assignment. Your prompt response would be highly appreciated.

Yours sincerely
James Taylor"

Here is another scam:

"Subject: Job Opportunity
Tue 08/11/2016 10:53
From: "Walmart Secret Shopper"

Are you interested in a Job Opportunity as Secret Shopper and earn up to $450 weekly.
If interested, Simply {Click Here} to read Full Details"

Received via email:

"Reporting a Secret Shopper Offer Scam.

On October 3, I received a Mystery Shopper offer by email from a Teressa Adams, allegedly recruiting from csupport6@ucsc.edu. The job entails an Evaluation process such as visiting Walmart/K-Mart etc. Since I am in search of a job working from home, I accepted and on October 6, a follow-up email from a James Taylor (private@myfirm.com.co) explained the survey procedure in detail and advised me that a package would be sent to me with my compensation payment of $250 and other funds. A Priority Mail envelope sent by Silverpoint Survey, 1433 New Road, Northfield NJ 08226 was in my mail box on Friday, October 21.

However, certain payment instructions in his letter had aroused my suspicions and I went on-line to search for more information about Mystery/Secret Shoppers opportunities. To make my story short, my suspicions were confirmed and I am attaching copies of the letter, the Priority mailer and an authentic looking cashier's check of Northwest Savings Bank in Warren, PA 16365. The amount of $2850.35 was transmitted by Kathleen Spearman and is to be paid to the order of Leodyne Alsbach.

Because I had a very serious car collision on October 10, which has left me indefinitely without transportation, and this first assignment had to be completed within 24 hours which would entitle me to a $100 bonus, I advised James Taylor yesterday by email that I would be unable to accept the assignment and would therefore return the cashier's check on Monday (tomorrow). So far, I have not received his response to this.

My report to the FTC has been submitted today. Thank you so much for your time and attention!

Sincerely,
Leodyne"

Here is another scam:

"From: Secret Shopper
Date: 5/10/16 9:22 PM (GMT-08:00)
Subject: Good Job!!!!!

Dear Sir/ Ma

Perhaps, this might be the right platform to lessen unpaid bills that triggers unrest. This is an opportunity of a lifetime you don’t want to miss. We are looking for outstanding Brand Personnel (In the name of Secret Shoppers) to evaluate sales performance, market force, and improved customer service in USA.

It’s a part-time job with basics computing, minimal managerial skills & zero hassle. We operate in a diverse business ventures, such as Production, Distribution, Retail, Hotels, Automotive, Supermarkets, Restaurants, Pub, Banking and more..."