Consumer Warning

Beware of Ads and/or letters offering Quick Returns for Cashing a Check

GfK Custom Research North America and its GfK Mystery Shopping division rarely, if ever, conduct mystery shops involving check cashing or money transfers. We never ask shoppers, consumers or survey respondents to send us money. A new twist on the scam is positioned as a "sweepstakes” prize, inviting consumers to reap rewards for cashing checks.

An additional warning sign that the ad or letter may be the work of a scam artist is the inclusion of incorrect or false company contact information, including our name, address, phone number or other details.

If you’re unsure if the ad or correspondence is actually from GfK, DO NOT attempt to cash the check or respond to the email with the requested information. Instead, call 212-993-5387 or email us at or spoofs@gfkamerica.com immediately.

Click here to view our press release on our alert to U.S. consumers regarding recent mystery shopping scams.

GfK Custom Research North America is working with the MSPA (Mystery Shopper Providers Association) as well as the appropriate local, state and Federal authorities to crack down on all individuals involved in perpetrating these schemes.

For more information about these scams, including how to protect yourself and the steps to take if you’ve been victimized, please follow this link.