A new scam is making the rounds.

The Better Business Bureau is warning East Texans about scammers posing as recruiters for “Mystery Shopper” jobs.

The scammers are using the names of reputable companies such as BestMark Inc. in an attempt to convince the victims the checks are legitimate.

The scammers contact victims online on LinkedIn and then send them a bad check for $1,825, asking them to deposit the cashier’s checks and then purchase three $500 prepaid credit cards, telling the victim that the remaining money is their commission.

The real BestMar, Inc., a BBB accredited business, warns the business will never require employees to cash or deposit a check as part of an assignment or for any other service.

“Using the name of a legitimate company is a common ploy of scammers,” Mechele Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas, said. “But a legitimate company will not ask you to transfer funds into their account as part of a mystery shopping assignment.”

These so-called advance-fee scams have become increasingly popular. The BBB recommends patrons use caution and verify the authenticity of companies before they do business with them.

Anyone who is unsure can visit the Mystery Shopping Providers Association website at www.mysteryshopping.org/shoppers for a list of reputable mystery shopping companies and opportunities. Contact the companies, not the MSPCA, directly, for more information on how to become a shopper.

Anyone who thinks they may have been the victim of a scam should call the BBB Hotline at 903-581-8373 or report it to BBB Scam Tracker, at bbb.org/scamtracker/east-texas.

Twitter: @TMT_Cory