How to Spot and Avoid Wal-Mart Scams: A Cautionary Tale

Recent reports have surfaced regarding apparent scams involving Wal-Mart and secret shopping opportunities. People are receiving checks for large amounts, such as $2,464.38, and being instructed to purchase gift cards and provide their numbers, only to find out it is a scam. Here, we're breaking down the warning signs, the typical scam scenario, and how to protect yourself from falling victim to this fraudulent activity.

What Is Happening?

These individuals claim to have received a cashier's check, ostensibly for being selected as a secret shopper to purchase Wal-Mart gift cards and provide the card numbers. The check amounts range from $2,464.38 to $2,725.00. However, these are fraudulent attempts to steal money.

The typical scenario involves the scammer announcing that after cashing the check, the individual needs to spend the funds on Wal-Mart gift cards and transfer the numbers to the scammer. The primary indication that this is a scam is the cashier's check, which is often fraudulent and will eventually bounce. The stakeholder in the scam then disappears, leaving the individual responsible for the financial loss.

The Warning Signs

1. Advance Payment for Secret Shopping

Legitimate secret shopper engagements typically do not provide advance payments. Instead, the initial payment is made once the task is completed and the evaluation submitted. If you receive a cashier's check or any form of payment before completing the task, it is likely a scam.

2. Instructions to Purchase Gift Cards

Secret shoppers are interviewed on-site or remotely without being asked to purchase any goods. Dense instructions, such as 'keep about 460.00 and buy 4 Vanilla gift cards and text the numbers to them,' are red flags. Legitimate secret shopper roles do not involve purchasing gift cards.

3. Use of Cashier’s Checks

Cashier's checks are often fraudulent because they can be processed by banks even though they are not valid. If you receive a cashier's check and without verifying its authenticity decides to cash it, it is likely to bounce.

What to Do if You Encounter This?

First, do not cash or transfer the check. Contact the bank and inform them of the suspicious activity. Report the event to local law enforcement and your bank to prevent further fraud.

Second, inform others about the scam to help prevent others from falling into the same trap. Share this information on social media and with your friends and family.

Lastly, if you have already cashed the check, contact the bank immediately. You may be held responsible for the charges and the bank may charge you an overdraft fee for the unauthorized withdrawal.

It is essential to be vigilant and cautious when dealing with any requests for advance payments or instructions that seem overly detailed or unrelated to the task.

Conclusion

These types of scams are becoming increasingly common, taking advantage of individuals' trust and their attempts to find legitimate ways to earn extra money. By staying informed and cautious, individuals can avoid falling victim to such fraudulent activities. Always verify legitimate payment requests and seek advice from financial institutions before proceeding with any suspicious transactions.