SCAM ALERT: Walmart "secret shopper" offer is bogus
What looks like a great deal with a big payout is actually an even bigger scam.
An Old Fort woman received an authentic-looking letter and a nearly-$2,000 check from Walmart earlier this week, complete with her name and address and the Walmart logo.
The money was to entice her to be a consumer service evaluator, or secret shopper, for businesses.
“Stores and organizations such as The Gap, Walmart and Pizza Hut and amongst many others pay to shop in their establishments and report their experience,” the letter stated. “On top of being paid for shopping, you are also allowed to keep purchases for free.”
The scam has made its way around the country for years. On their website, Walmart administrators say they don’t seek secret shoppers and this is a bogus offer. If a consumer bites on the deal, the con artists will end up with their banking account and other personal information.
The Old Fort woman said she has no idea why the scammers chose her or how they got her information. She said she has never applied for a position at Walmart.
The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office urges citizens to be aware of the scam and be wary of it.
Anyone with concerns or questions can call the Sheriff’s Office at 652-2235.
Address/Location
McDowell County Sheriff's Office
593 Spaulding Rd
Marion, NC 28752
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 828-652-2235
Richelle Bailey
McDowell County Sheriff's Office
[email protected]
828-652-2235
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