Secret Shopper Scam

Thu, 2020-03-26

It appears the so called “mystery shopper” scam has resurfaced and the Bermuda Police Service would like to remind the public to be on the look-out.

The scam lures social media users by offering employment as a mystery shopper with the potential to earn thousands of dollars by completing seemingly innocuous tasks, such as purchasing items, then reporting back on their experience.

If the person agrees to be a mystery shopper, they will usually receive a quantity of money deposited into their personal bank account. A small amount, they’re told, they can keep as payment for their mystery shopper services.

They are then asked to withdraw the remainder of the cash and instructed to send that money overseas via a local money service business.

However, any funds deposited into local accounts through this scheme, often originate from crime – mainly phishing scams or other electronic fraud- and local residents deceived by the scam are unwittingly being used to launder criminal proceeds.

Local banks are already vigilant for this suspicious activity and are likely to freeze the assets of any resident’s account found to be involved in the “mystery shopper” scam.

If you are unsure as to whether or not a potential opportunity is a scam – or wish to report any incidents of suspected fraud – please contact the Financial Crime Unit on telephone number 247-1757 or via the e-mail address fraud2@bps.bm

Advice on how to avoid and report scams can also be found at https://www.gov.bm/how-avoid-and-report-scams.