Mystery Shopper Scam: Not From Nielsen

The Better Business Bureau of Metro New York has recently been made aware of a secret shopper scam using names such as “Nielsen Research Group,” “Nielsen Research Team,” and other similar aliases. This company is not associated with the legitimate and BBB accredited business, “Nielsen.”

Consumers report receiving checks enclosed in letters written on a “Nielsen” letterhead. The checks are usually for a few thousands of dollars and claim to offer employment as “Customer Service Evaluators.” Recipients of these checks are instructed to spend some of the money at various stores and then wire back a significant portion of the funds via Western Union to the organization or individual making this offer.

If a consumer receives this letter, BBB advises not to deposit the fraudulent check or wire money. A victim who deposits a fraudulent check in their bank account may be responsible for the amount of the bad check and may have their account closed.

Consumers who receive any solicitation offering employment as a mystery shopper are advised to be cautious. Although there are legitimate companies that offer mystery shopping opportunities, they do not mail checks or ask for upfront payment.

If you believe you have been a victim of a mystery shopping scam, you may:

• File a report with the New York State Attorney’s General at http://www.ag.ny.gov/
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by phone at 1-877-FTC-HELP or atwww.ftccomplaintassistant.gov
• File a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center atwww.ic3.gov/default.aspx.
• File and report it with www.phonebusters.com
• Contact your local post office if the check came by U.S. Mail

For more information, visit our website at www.newyork.bbb.orgor call 212-533-6200. To report a scam, visit the BBB Scam Portal at: https://www.bbb.org/scam/report-a-scam/.