Mystery Shopper Scam

It wasn’t long was it before we had another scam alert. They keep coming don’t they. Fair do’s to John in Blacon again for providing this latest, valuable scam alert. This one is about a Mystery Shopper scam. To be more accurate, it is a Mystery Shopper recruitment scam.

Have a read at what it’s all about below. Although the article states that all of the victims so far have been in London, this doesn’t mean that it is exclusive to London only of course.

Anyway, take on board this warning and spread the word where you can. And to any scammers out there…..please pack it in now.

Mystery Shopper Scam

“Fraudsters are targeting job-seekers with a recruitment scam that has already claimed 35 victims with losses totalling over £51,000. All of the victims have so far been from London.

The Fraudsters use recruitment websites and apps to identify potential targets. The victim is then cold-called by someone claiming to be an employee of a mobile phone network. The caller explains to the victim that they will need to take part in a “mystery shopper” test in order to pass the recruitment process.

The victim is instructed to visit one of the mobile network’s high street stores and take out a phone contract using the victims own personal and financial details. They are assured that the contract will be cancelled after the recruitment process is completed.

Once the victim has successfully taken out the contract, they are directed to drop-off points to deliver the phone and SIM card to a colleague of the caller. The victim is reassured that the contract will be terminated. In reality, the victims will never hear from the suspects again, and are left liable for the mobile phone contract they were convinced to purchase.

Some victims are also asked to move the employers money through their own bank accounts. Putting them at risk of committing money laundering offences. Others find out that their personal details have been used to take out loans for which they are also liable.

Mystery Shopper Scam – What you need to do

1. Personal information such as your full address, date of birth, or National Insurance Number should not be included on your CV or public profiles on the recruitment sites.

2. To protect yourself against identity theft, always verify that the employer/recruiter you are speaking with is who they say they are. Contact the employer via a telephone number or email address on their official website. Or via the company’s verified social media accounts.

3. Never allow an employer to move their money through your personal bank account. Legitimate employers won’t ask you to do this.

For more information about how to protect yourself online, visit www.cyberaware.gov.uk and takefivestopfraud.org.uk or please visit: https://www.safer-jobs.com/

Message Sent By Wendy Leason (Police, Community Support Officer, Saughall“

Mystery Shopper Scam – Be Aware

Another fairly comprehensive but, to some, easily enough identified scam. Yes, easily identified as a scam to some. But not to others. For that reason, please spread the word where you can.

As ever with these scams, however elaborate, one of the real triggers is if your personal details are asked for. If ever they are, forget the rest of the flannel and however appealing it seems. Do not reply. And do not engage in any communication with these people whatsoever. Report the incident immediately.

In short there are certain indicators in all scams to make you aware. Take heed folks.

Chester Crimewatch

Yes indeed, take heed. And, as I mentioned, spread the word where you can. All of these scams are such a problem but keeping reading these warnings and you should be OK.

I say these scams are such a problem a neighbour of mine has had to change his number because of the sheer volume of scam calls. He’s in his 80’s and lives on his own. Before virus days I used to pop in to see him on a regular basis for a coffee and a chat. We used to sort the world out and if I could help him in any way, I would.

It was sad to receive an email from him today announcing that he has had to change his number because of the constant scam calls. Now I don’t know if anyone else has a regular flood of scam calls on a daily basis. If not so much, then it may well be that these scammers have a lot more information than we realise. In other words, they know your living arrangements (e.g. whether living on your own) and your age of course.

So again to repeat myself, please spread the word. And if you know of anyone living on their own and you feel may be a bit more vulnerable, go and check on them. Safely of course.

Thanks again John for the heads up. Much appreciated.

Anyway, for all my other Chester Crimewatch posts, have a look at this link HERE.

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