Fake secret shopper checks

Hello James. Unfortunately, I suspect this is fraudulent. What normally happens is once the bank learns the check is fraudulent you're the person responsible for the money. The scam works by taking advantage of the stall between the time the check is deposited and when the bank discovers that the check is fraudulent. No company is going to send you a check before you start working and then request you to buy gift cards or send some money back for one reason or another. Big checks in advance are red flags of a scam. Legitimate mystery companies don't send out large checks or require a fee to become a mystery shopper and unfortunately, actual mystery shopping assignments do not pay anywhere near what these fraudsters are promising.

I can be reached directly at vantillon@checkbca.org if you have additional questions or concerns.