Protect Yourself: Mystery Shopper Scams

Wawanesa Insurance has always been committed to protecting your personal information and ensuring the safety of our policyholders. As the prevalence of Mystery Shopping scams continues to grow across Canada, we have recognized the need to inform the public of risks they may encounter.

We do not participate in Mystery Shopper programs and would never ask you to provide sensitive information through email or via text message (SMS). If you receive a suspicious message, letter or cheque, do not respond and promptly report the incident.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre outlines Mystery Shopper scams as follows:

• The victim receives a letter in the mail with information on shopping tasks to complete. A cheque for a "large sum of money" is included with the letter.
• The victim deposits the cheque in his or her bank account, and then uses some of the money to buy products as a mystery shopper.
• He or she is then told to send the rest of the money back to a person or business.
• A few days after completing the tasks, the victim finds out that the cheque is counterfeit. He or she is then accountable for the money sent and withdrawn.

To learn more about recognizing Mystery Shopping Scams, or to report an incident, visit antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca

Recent “Mystery Shopper Scam” Media Coverage

York region police warn of mystery shopper scam
- CTV Toronto

Mystery shopping scam hitting Nova Scotians
- Global News Halifax

Familiar shopper scam becoming increasing sophisticated
- CBC Edmonton

Mystery shopper scammed $2K, man admits to fraud on phone
- CBC Windsor

If you are aware of insurance-related email fraud, please submit a confidential tip online through IBC.ca or call 1-877-IBC-TIPS (1-877-422-8477). Both services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.