{"success":true,"data":{"id":"mystery-shopper-check-scam","label":"Mystery shopper check scam","description":"Email recruiting a \"mystery shopper\" or \"secret shopper\" who receives a counterfeit check, is instructed to deposit it and keep a small \"commission,\" then wire or gift-card the remainder back to the scammer — the check eventually bounces leaving the victim liable for the full amount. FTC 2024: mystery shopper scams are a perennial top-10 consumer fraud type with average victim losses of $1,500–$2,000.","tier":"danger","category":"scam","isThin":false}}