Bryan Blathers: I Almost Fell for $1,793.62 Scam & How You Can Avoid It

Okay, I have to be honest with you. I did not almost fall for the scam. As someone who deals with money-saving tips and tricks all day, I knew immediately it was fake. I just never thought it would happen to me. We all see the scam stories on the local news or Internet, but think it will never happen to me. Well, it did happen to me and I want to share my experience with you — in the hopes that you will be able to spot it immediately, too.

A few weeks ago, I opened my mailbox to find a very official-looking envelope from Westline Media, Inc. in Brooklyn, NY. It was even sent USPS Priority Mail to give it even more importance and authenticity. As someone who enters lots of sweepstakes, I initially thought I may have won something. (I have a decent track record for winning!) 

However, as soon as I opened the envelope, I knew something seemed off. First, the letter was not addressed to me directly. Instead, it appeared to be a photocopy of a generic letter.

At the top, it stated “Whole Foods Market Customer Service Evaluation Assignment”. Plus, it included a cashier’s check made out to me in the amount of $1,793.62. A check I was not expecting. 

I also do some mystery shopping, so for a brief second I thought it might have been an assignment I somehow overlooked. However, I knew that’s not how the process works, especially for such a large amount of money involved.

Plus, it was not a company or name I recognized. And, once I reviewed the letter, I knew it was definitely a scam to get fraudulent gift cards.

Here’s how the scam works: 

The company wanted me to “evaluate any store selling Foot Locker gift cards” — even though the headline specifically mentions Whole Foods Market. (These are the small clues that let you know something doesn’t make sense.)

My “assignment” was to first cash the $1,793.62 check, but only at my bank. (Another clue.) If I had gone to another bank, it might have raised suspicion as a non-account holder trying to cash a large check. Plus, it was a not just a regular check.

It was a cashier’s check for a reason — to lend more “credibility” to the scam. A cashier’s check typically guarantees payment to the payee, so it must be “legit”, right?

I was then directed to buy $1,300 worth of Foot Locker gift cards at any store in $100, $200 or $300 increments only. I was also advised that “under no circumstances” should I let any employee know what I’m doing. (Another clue.)

Plus, what would buying Foot Locker gift cards specifically have to do with whether or not a store provides good customer service? You could easily do the same research spending $25 on a small item. Again, it doesn’t make any sense. 

I was then to immediately remove all of the scratch-off areas on the back of the gift cards and take pictures of all the numbers, including the security PIN. Next, I was to send all of those images immediately to a designated e-mail address at “@outlook.com”. (Another clue. If it were a legitimate company, I would probably be sending the information to a company e-mail address.) 

I was encouraged to get this all this done within 6 to 12 hours for a bonus of $300. (Another clue.) Urgency is highly encouraged because the faster I get it done, the less chance I (or anyone else) will figure out it’s a scam. 

But, they sent you a cashier’s check?

This is where the scam really takes place. It’s not a real cashier’s check. Yes, I can cash it at my bank and get the physical money.

However, when the bank receives notice that it’s not valid a day or two later, I would have already completed the task and spent all the money.

And, had I followed the directions, I would have already sent all of the numbers on each gift card via photos. (In other scams, they have you read the numbers over the phone.) The reason they want all the numbers is so they can drain the gift cards of the funds as quickly as possible. 

Gift cards basically function like “digital cash”. Unfortunately, they are difficult to trace and lack the consumer protections associated with credit cards. Once you send a photo (or read the numbers over the phone), the scammer immediately withdraws the balance.

In the end, I would still have the physical gift cards in hand. However, they would be completely worthless — each with a zero balance. 

Finally, the bank is going to hold me accountable in getting the money back from the fraudulent cashier’s check– not the “marketing company”. I’m the one who took the cash, so it would be my responsibility to pay it back. 

In the end, I would be out $1,793.62 and the scammers would have gained $1,300 in fraudulent Foot Locker gift cards. Plus, most people would have already spent the “$300 bonus” by paying bills, getting groceries or treating the family.

More than likely, there would be nothing left to repay the bank. The person would be on the hook for the full amount. 

These scammers know many people are on a tight budget and that’s what they’re counting on. At a quick glance, the work looks like easy money for a quick run to the store to buy a few gift cards. Almost $500 dollars for about an hour’s worth of work.

Who wouldn’t do that? Unfortunately, many people fall for it and, once they realize it’s too good to be true, it’s too late. The money has all been spent. 

Lessons Learned

If you get any communication (phone, e-mail or direct mail) involving anything financial from someone you don’t know or aren’t expecting, be extra cautious. Do your due diligence to ensure it’s legit.

There are so many scams involving “sweepstake prizes” that require you to pay taxes or fees upfront, a mysterious overdue bill that you must pay immediately or the government claiming you have an unpaid traffic ticket (or some sort of violation) that you must pay now or fear being arrested.

Worst of all, AI is making it easier for scammers to generate fake voices, documents and websites. In turn, it’s more difficult for victims to determine what’s legitimate. Unfortunately, scammers will get smarter and trickier as technology evolves. It may all seem legitimate on the surface, but listen to your inner voice and hit pause. Does it make sense? 

Use my experience as a lesson (or whisper from the universe) to always be on high alert. Don’t cash a check you have no prior knowledge of or take any demand for money/payment at face value. Always, always do the research first. 

Many people might be embarrassed to question authority or ask for help. And that’s exactly what scammers are relying on. We all want to appear strong, smart and responsible. It takes a little courage to speak up and ask questions.

They want you to act fast without thinking because the sooner you do, the sooner they can take your money and disappear. Remember, it’s okay to ask for verification or additional proof. Even ask a friend or family member, whether something seems fishy or not. 

That’s why there’s always a false sense of urgency with every scam. Do it now or face even worse consequences. Or, in my case, act fast and earn a big cash bonus. Don’t do it. Take your time, trust your gut and don’t be so quickly fooled. If it almost happened to me, it could also happen to you, my frugal friend.

Ultimately, being a good consumer is just one big game, they (companies, businesses, government, etc. — including scammers!) are trying to get your money and you’re trying to keep your money. That’s it.

The rules are often complicated, but knowledge is power. It’s more important than ever to be an informed and assertive consumer. (In my opinion, it has never been more challenging to be a bargain hunter than right now.) It’s your money and you have to play an active role in how it enters and leaves your life. Treat money with respect and it will do the same to you. 

As they say, money doesn’t grow on trees. If it did, we’d all be a gardener or, at least, willing to rake the leaves!

If you’ve been the victim of a scam (or had a close encounter like me), share your story below. Don’t be embarrassed, your experience helps someone else look for the same red flags. After all, we are all in this together.