“Secret Shoppers” or “Mystery Shoppers” have been around for many years. These jobs can be a great way for someone to earn extra cash by working part-time. Never one to pass up a good opportunity, con artists have created their own version of the secret shopper, the “credit mule.” And believe me, if you fall for this one, it could cost you a bundle and ruin your credit at the same time.
Secret No. 1 —The Targets
The prime targets to be used as credit mules are those who are inexperienced or have little credit history. Typically, this means scammers most often find willing “employees” at colleges, but there are plenty of other young people who could be taken in by a smooth talker. If you know someone who fits this category (and who doesn’t?) consider warning them about these types of jobs.
Secret No. 2 —The Job
Let’s be clear about this. Most secret shopper jobs, unless they are obtained through a reputable agency, are bogus. It’s the enticement of good money for little work that snares the victim.
Typically, the scam begins when you see an ad or are approached by someone about a job as a secret shopper. The job will be pitched as “rating the service” or “rating the customer experience” at various businesses. Your assignment is simple: purchase a few expensive smart phones, get the unlock codes, and pass the phones along to your boss. You are assured by your boss that you will not be charged for the cell phones or the monthly charges because you have 15-30 days to cancel the contract you have signed.
Because the victim doesn’t realize he’s been conned until collection letters or phone calls begin, the phones and the employer are long gone. It won’t be long before the victim discovers the contract was not cancelled because the phones were never returned. The cell phone company has the right to hold the victim responsible for the cost of the phones as well as the associated monthly charges. To make matters worse, the victim’s credit record will be trashed if he doesn’t pay in accordance with the terms of the contract. Meanwhile, off in another country, those unlocked cell phones are being sold at premium prices.
Secret No. 3 —The Realization
Because the victim doesn’t realize he’s been conned until collection letters or phone calls begin, the phones and the employer are long gone. It won’t be long before the victim discovers the contract was not cancelled because the phones were never returned. The cell phone company has the right to hold the victim responsible for the cost of the phones as well as the associated monthly charges. To make matters worse, the victim’s credit record will be trashed if he doesn’t pay in accordance with the terms of the contract. Meanwhile, off in another country, those unlocked cell phones are being sold at premium prices.
