Sheriff: Beware of 'Secret Shopper' Scam

Carlisle County authorities are warning the public to be on the lookout for a scam that involves a bogus "secret shopper" program.

Carlisle County Sheriff William Gilbert says a woman contacted his office Tuesday about a letter she had received in the mail that included a postal money order for $998.00 and instructions to purchase two Walmart Gift Cards for $400.00 each. The letter instructed the woman to then scratch off the hidden numbers on the cards and send photos of them along with the PIN and an evaluation of the store shopping experience.

Gilbert cautioned residents that this is a definite scam.

"I verified with Wal-Mart that they do not obtain secret shoppers in this manner and that this is a scam," He said. "In addition, the post master advised that the Money Order is also a fake. If you read the letter you will notice several grammatical errors. This would be an additional clue that letters like these are scams.

"Anyone that contacts you and asks you to purchase gift cards, game cards, store cards, etc. and send them photos or the numbers from the cards are not legitimate. Please be cautious of anyone sending you money that requires you to send money back to them."