Residents are falling prey to a “mystery shopper scam” used to launder criminal proceeds, police have cautioned.

A spokesman said that in spite of warnings, some were still getting taken in by the offer of easy money on social media, which entices members of the public to work as secret shoppers.

The scam promises thousands of dollars as payment for simple tasks such as buying items and reporting back on their shopping experience.

Shoppers who agree get up to $5,000 deposited into their bank account, with a small portion to be kept as payment for their services.

They are asked to withdraw the remainder of the cash and send it overseas via a local money service.

The spokesman said the funds lodged into local accounts typically came from crime such as phishing scams or other electronic fraud, with the victim lured into laundering the money.

Banks, which are on the lookout for the suspicious activity, will freeze the assets of any account involved in the scam.

Residents suspicious of an offer, or who wish to report suspected internet fraud, should contact the Financial Crime Unit at 247-1757, e-mail fraud2@bps.bm.

Advice on how to avoid and report scams can also be found at https://www.gov.bm/how-avoid-and-report-scams.