Scammers never rest. And if there’s one thing they love, it’s a scheme that sounds too good to be true. Enter the Walmart check scam. I first covered this classic con in 2015. Now, ten years later, scammers are bringing their A-game with updated tricks and tactics. Here’s how you can spot it, avoid it, and keep your hard-earned money safe.
How Did the Walmart Check Scam Work in the Past?
The Walmart check scam usually started with an unexpected letter, email, or even a message on social media. It usually promised an exciting gig as a “mystery shopper” or “customer service evaluator.” The invitation included a very official-looking check, often for thousands of dollars. All you needed to do was deposit the check and follow the “instructions” to complete your assignment. Sounds simple, right? Here’s the twist. That check? Totally fake. Once you deposited it, your bank initially credited the amount to your account. But when it inevitably bounced, you were on the hook for the entire sum. Meanwhile, the scammers made off with your personal info and money from the account where you deposited the check.
The Scam in Action (2025 Edition)
Scammers aren’t sticking to letters and manual tricks anymore. They’ve gone digital. Here’s how they’re updating their playbook:
- Fake Emails and Texts
You might receive what looks like a legitimate email from Walmart or a related company. It uses fancy branding, professional language, and links to fake websites that look like the real Walmart homepage. - Social Media Bait
Ads or private messages on platforms like Facebook and Instagram claim you’ve won a “Walmart Shopping Spree” or been chosen for an exclusive mystery shopping assignment. These messages are designed to lead you into their con. - QR Code Scams
Some scammers now include QR codes with their fake checks, making it seem tech-savvy and convenient. Scanning the code takes you to a site designed to steal your personal info. Insider tip: never trust unsolicited QR codes! - Gift Card Grift
One common instruction remains the same but with a modern twist. Scammers may ask you to evaluate Walmart’s gift card system. They’ll tell you to purchase gift cards, scratch off the codes, and send pictures. Unsurprisingly, they empty the cards before their fraudulent check is exposed. - Fake Walmart Gift Card Balance Checkers
Another dangerous method scammers now use involves fraudulent balance checker tools. These fake online tools mimic Walmart’s branding to seem legitimate. When you input your gift card information, scammers immediately steal the details and drain the remaining balance, leaving you with a worthless card. Insider tip: Only check your gift card balances by visiting Walmart’s official gift card balance tool. If you’re unsure, verify the site’s legitimacy before entering any numbers.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Claims of Easy Money
“Get rich quick” schemes are the oldest trick in the book. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. - Vague Communication
Scammers avoid specifics. They steer clear of details that could tie them down or be double-checked. - Requests for Personal Info
Legitimate businesses won’t ask for your driver’s license or Social Security number just to cash a check. - Urgent Deadlines
Scammers love to create pressure. They might insist you complete the assignment within 24 or 48 hours. Don’t fall for the rush.
Why Does This Happen?
Unfortunately, scams like this take advantage of our trust and financial systems. Banks process checks quickly but often take days (or longer) to confirm the legitimacy of the funds. By the time you find out the check is fake or your gift card balance has been stolen, it’s too late to retrieve any money you’ve sent or spent.
What Walmart Has to Say
Walmart itself has been proactive in warning customers. The company states clearly that it doesn’t hire mystery shoppers through unsolicited mail, email, or text messages. They also won’t send you a check and ask you to return part of the money. Additionally, Walmart has cautioned customers against using anything other than their official tools to manage gift cards. Any communication to the contrary is 100% a scam.
Walmart advises anyone targeted to report the scam to their team at onlineabuse@walmart.com.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Check or Gift Card Message
- Verify Directly with Walmart
Contact Walmart’s official customer service to confirm whether the communication is legitimate. Spoiler alert: it’s not. - Don’t Deposit the Check
Show the check to your bank first. They can verify if it’s real before you put it into your account. - Double Check Gift Cards
Only use Walmart’s authorized tools at https://www.walmart.com/account/giftcards/balance to check balances. Avoid unfamiliar websites or tools sent via unsolicited emails or texts. - Report It
Forward scam emails to Walmart’s abuse email address and also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. - Shred the Check
Follow the instructions of the authorities about what to do with the check. If they want you to shred it, don’t leave any pieces of it lying around. Scammers can misuse whatever bits of information they can get their hands on.
The Bottom Line
Scammers will keep finding new ways to con people, but you don’t have to be their next target. Stay skeptical, stay informed, and share these tips with your loved ones. The Walmart check scam may wear a new mask in 2025, but with a little caution and some due diligence, you can spot it a mile away.
Remember, no legitimate company is just handing out free money for mystery shopping or “evaluations.” When in doubt, trust your gut. And if anyone asks you to buy gift cards AND send them photos or input numbers into a suspicious tool, well, you know the drill. Run the other way!
Here’s to smart, safe choices, and a scam-free 2025!
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