COFFEE COUNTY, Tenn. — The Coffee County Sheriff’s Department is warning the public about a fraudulent “mystery shopper” scam after residents reported receiving official-looking letters and cashier’s checks instructing recipients to purchase gift cards and send payment details to unknown individuals.
According to authorities, the scam involves a mailed letter claiming to be from a “Service Management Group” or similar entity, falsely presenting itself as a legitimate employer working with major retailers. The letter instructs recipients to evaluate local retail stores by purchasing large-denomination gift cards and submitting photos of the cards and receipts as part of a supposed secret shopping assignment.
The materials reviewed include a detailed instruction sheet directing recipients to deposit an enclosed cashier’s check totaling $2,570.29, keep a portion as “salary,” and use the remaining funds to purchase $2,000 in Apple gift cards. Victims are then instructed to send photos of the gift cards, including the revealed codes, via text message or email…