Shadow Shopper

Hi, a week ago I sent my contact form out to Shadow Shopper and two days ago I received a text from a Daniel Beachy. Daniel Beachy informed me that he was my shopper coordinator and that my first shopper assignment has been delivered to me.

He asked me to confirm my schedule for this week so I did. He informed me that I would received a package via USPS with instructions of what I needed to do. Yesterday, I received a package with a check in the amount of $1,980 and instructions of what I needed to do. The first step asked me to deposit the check and then the instructions requested that I buy a bunch of I-tunes and Amazon gift cards no larger than $100 each at different locations.

Out of the $1,980, I would be paid $330.00 and the rest I would purchase the gift cards. Once I purchase the gift cards I would scratch the back of each card and send them a picture of the codes for each card to two email addresses provided. Since all of this sounded fishy to me I contacted the bank in PA where the check came from and when I spoke of one of the Branch Managers he informed me that the check is fraudulent and that I should not deposit it into my bank account. At this moment, I'm heading to the police and reporting this matter to the FBI IC3 Unit.

Daniel Beachy texted me yesterday and asked me did I deposit the check, I said sure, lol, this gang thinks they're smarter than me but I'm a old cat from the hood, lol.

Just beware anyone whose vulnerable can fall for these scams. I am attaching the check and the letter that was sent to me.

My work email was included in a group email that came from an employee in my company about an opportunity to supplement my income with a job with Shadow Shopper. The email stated this is a legitimate opportunity that the employee had taken advantage of so I clicked the link and signed up.

I received an email confirmation from Shadow Shopper stating I would receive a package delivered by UPS with my first assignment. I also received a text message. A package did arrive but it looked like regular mail and there was a letter and a check inside for $1,900 on PNC Bank with my name on it. I was advised to deposit in my bank account.

RED FLAG THe letter directed me to purchase gift cards and contribute to a charity. RED FLAG. There was nothing listed about observing and shopping at any establishment only purchasing gift cards and sending to Shadow Shopper! RED FLAG.

Oh, the instructions said to contact them once you receive the package, I never did. Shadow Shopper keeps texting asking if I received the package and when am I going to begin the assignment as they are ready to send the next assignment! REALLY! I see this as an attempt to get your personal bank information and have you purchase gift cards and send to them and you are out of $1900.

Not going to happen. Shadow Shopper is a SCAM!

I can't speak for Shadow Shopper's member registration policies or paid memberships, but I can say that I work for a legitimate mystery shopping company and regularly post jobs to Shadow Shopper's database. I also occasionally purchase contact information for shoppers in an area that I am trying to assign. It is worthwhile to register with Shadow Shopper as a Bronze member so that you at least have the chance to receive e-mails from folks like me.

As a mystery shopper myself, the best resource that I can recommend is mspa.org. Every company posting there has been vetted by the organization. I have never had an issue accepting assignments from companies posting there.

As a general rule, you should never pay anyone for an opportunity to shop. I personally would not have a paid account on Shadow Shopper, as it is easy to find jobs without their services. The way that they *should* be making money is by having shoppers with free accounts and schedulers paying to contact the shoppers. That's just my 2 cents. Hope this helps!

Be very careful with this company. I wanted to be a legit mystery shopper as I have worked in the retail grocery industry for 20 years.

So I felt I had a lot to offer as a mystery shopper. I feel it is a scam as well. I never got anywhere with them. Now I feel like my personal info has been compromised.

They get around the legal system just beause of the way they phrase things. Once you pay, you are considered a member. They think they are slick but the BBB has had complaints and I am pretty sure they are being investigated. Notice you can comment on this board without name etc.

All the positive comments are probably from John and Jenna. Good luck and don't do it.