Be Aware of ‘Mystery Shopper’ Scam
Fraudsters are targeting job-seekers with a recruitment scam that has already claimed 35 victims with losses totaling over £51,000. All of the victims so far have been from London.
The fraudsters use recruitment websites and apps to identify potential targets. The victim is then cold called by someone claiming to be an employee of a mobile phone network. The caller explains to the victim that they will need to take part in a ‘mystery shopper’ test in order to pass the recruitment process.
The victim is instructed to visit one of the mobile network’s high street stores and take out a phone contract using the victims own personal and financial details. They are assured that the contract will be cancelled after the recruitment process is completed.
Once the victim has successfully taken out the contract they are directed to drop-off points to deliver the phone and SIM to a ‘colleague’ of the caller. The victim is reassured that the contract will be terminated.
In reality the victims will never hear from the suspects again and are left liable for the mobile phone contract they were convinced to purchase. Some victims are also asked to move the ‘employers’ money through their own bank accounts, putting them at risk of committing money laundering offences. Others find out that their personal details have been used to take out loans, for which they are also now liable.
For more information on scams and how to report a scam then contact to Action Fraud or your local Citizens Advice Centre.
The Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Online via their online reporting form (All these reports are forwarded to Trading Standards)
Telephone: 03454 04 05 06
Action Fraud, the UK national fraud office
Online via their online fraud reporting tool
Telephone: 0300 123 2040
